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The Early Childhood Education and Care National Workforce Census is a nationwide survey of early childhood education and care services which collects information about service usage, children with additional needs, access to preschool/kindergarten programs and staffing.
The information which is collected assists the Australian Government to develop and implement early childhood and child care policy which helps ensure young children and their families receive high-quality early childhood services and support.
From May to July 2016, the Department of Education and Training undertook the third iteration of the census, with more people taking part in it than in the 2010 or 2013 censuses. The 2016 census builds on the results of the earlier censuses providing a useful picture of the child care sector over time.
Census Report
The 2016 National Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce Census report takes the information gathered in the census and presents an overview of the early childhood education and care workforce as well as characteristics of Child Care Benefit approved child care services.
Data tables
In addition to the report, the 2016 Census provides data tables presented in a spreadsheet. These present data by state and territory as well as remoteness categories.