National Standards for Childbirth and Parenting Educators
Among the first known globally to be developed specifically for Childbirth and Early Parenting Educators — shaping professional practice across Australia since 2012.
2012
First Edition Published
Developed by expert Australian educators and published by NACE (now CAPEA)
2018
Second Edition
Strengthened and expanded to reflect contemporary maternity and early parenting education practice
2025
Revised Edition Released
Formally released at the CAPEA National Conference, Rydges Hotel, Newcastle NSW
About the National Standards
The National Standards for Childbirth and Parenting Educators (formerly known as the Competency Standards for Childbirth and Early Parenting Educators) were first developed by expert Australian educators in 2011 and published in 2012 by NACE — now known as CAPEA.
The second edition was released in 2018, strengthening and expanding the framework to reflect contemporary maternity and early parenting education practice.
During 2024–2025, CAPEA undertook a comprehensive review to ensure the Standards remain current, evidence-informed, and aligned with evolving models of maternity care, trauma-informed practice, inclusivity, and contemporary adult learning principles. The title was updated to reflect the maturity, national scope, and professional standing of the framework.
The revised National Standards were formally released in 2025 at the CAPEA National Conference, held at the Rydges Hotel, Newcastle NSW. These Standards were among the first known globally to be developed specifically for Childbirth and Early Parenting Educators and have influenced practice internationally.
🛒 Hard copies can be purchased in the CAPEA Shop
What the National Standards Are Intended To Do
A nationally consistent framework guiding professional practice in childbirth and early parenting education across Australia
Support Families
Support women, parents and families to access high-quality, responsive and learner-centred education during pregnancy and early parenting.
National Consistency
Provide a nationally consistent framework for assessing educator competence across diverse settings and professional backgrounds.
Professional Development
Assist educators in identifying professional development needs and supporting reflective practice throughout their career.
Benchmark for Competence
Act as a benchmark for competence across diverse settings and professional backgrounds, for novice and experienced educators, coordinators and managers.
Evidence-Informed Practice
Promote evidence-informed, inclusive and trauma-aware approaches to education aligned with evolving models of maternity care.
International Influence
Among the first known globally developed specifically for Childbirth and Early Parenting Educators — these Standards have influenced practice internationally.
⬇️ Download the 2025 National Standards
Includes the CAPEA Guideline for Practice for Childbirth and Early Parenting Educators. Hard copies available in the CAPEA Shop.
Birth and Parenting Educators Assessment Tool
The Birth and Parenting Educators Assessment Tool: Student, New or Experienced Educator is designed to provide a user-friendly framework that supports a meaningful and professional conversation between the educator, assessor, and/or a mentor.
Ideally, the Childbirth and Early Parenting Educator selects an assessor or mentor to observe the facilitation of a childbirth and parenting group session and provide constructive feedback to support ongoing professional development. This process is similar to clinical supervision practices in other health professions.
The Assessment Tool assists practitioners to evaluate how effectively their educator practice aligns with the National Standards and can be adapted to suit a range of educational contexts.
- Select an assessor or mentor to observe your facilitation
- Receive structured, constructive feedback on your practice
- Evaluate how your practice aligns with the National Standards
- Adapt the tool to suit your specific educational context
🛒 Hard copies available in the CAPEA Shop
Apply Your Knowledge — Get CAPEA Certified
The National Standards underpin CAPEA’s Certification framework. Demonstrate your competency and earn recognised professional credentials.
