The Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECS) is responsible for ensuring the provision of children’s services and public education throughout South Australia.

Our key functions are:

• To set the directions for education and care in South Australia
  
  The department ensures the state’s education system is well positioned to deliver high quality education and care through strategic and coordinated leadership in implementing the South Australia’s Strategic Plan, integrated policy development in collaboration with key stakeholders and planning for an effective workforce to meet current and future requirements.

• Provide and regulate children's services
  
  The role of DECS in relation to children's services involves the provision of preschool services, administration of Family Day Care, sponsorship of Outside School Hours Care programs and the establishment and enforcement of minimum standards for all types of child care.

• Manage the state's education system
  
  DECS delivers high quality primary and secondary education to school students across the state. DECS is responsible for the education of children and students across all areas of the curriculum and preparing young people to be active and productive members of a democratic society. DECS involves parents and local communities in the education of children and students.