This article juxtaposes contrasting discourses concerning the impact that regulatory systems—such as the NSW Children's Services Regulation and the National Quality Improvement and Accreditation System—have on the professional practice and job satisfaction of early childhood professionals in NSW. Juxtaposing dominant government discourses with conflicting critical discourses raises theoretical and practical issues about how the regulatory environment is perceived, the place it holds in early childhood professionals' thinking about quality early childhood practices, and the impact it may have on their job satisfaction.
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