ECEC workforce exceeds 268,000, but access and equity gaps remain

Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce now exceeds 268,000, new national data shows. But access, equity and staffing pressures continue to challenge the sector.

The 2024 National Workforce Census, published by the Australian Government, provides a detailed snapshot of the ECEC workforce, qualifications and service provision as of August 2023. More than 16,000 centre based and family day care services took part.

While the overall workforce is expanding and qualifications are improving, service availability has not kept pace with rising demand, particularly in regional and lower income communities.

Service demand outpacing capacity

The census confirms that centre based care remains the most common form of service delivery, accounting for 89 per cent of enrolments. More than 925,000 children were enrolled in early learning services across Australia as of mid 2023.

Despite this growth, nearly one in five services (19 per cent) reported operating at or above approved capacity. Just 10 per cent of services had vacant places available across all age groups at the time of the census.

Rural and remote communities continue to face the greatest access challenges, including limited enrolment options and difficulty attracting qualified staff. These issues are consistent with previous findings from the Productivity Commission and ACCC.

Workforce gains, but retention pressures remain

Encouragingly, the percentage of educators with at least a Certificate III qualification has increased to 89 per cent. The proportion of degree qualified early childhood teachers (ECTs) also continues to grow, with 64 per cent of centre based services employing a bachelor qualified teacher.

However, services reported ongoing difficulty recruiting and retaining staff, particularly ECTs and diploma qualified educators. Nearly 60 per cent of services had at least one vacant position, and 35 per cent had experienced staff turnover in the previous month.

These pressures were most acute in long day care settings and in regions with limited access to local training options. The findings highlight concerns about how services will meet demand under the forthcoming Three Day Guarantee.

Equity gaps persist despite growth

While overall enrolment numbers have increased, children from equity groups remain underrepresented in some settings. The census found that 19 per cent of enrolled children were identified as having a disability or additional need, and 5 per cent identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

Only 4 per cent of the workforce identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and 16 per cent reported speaking a language other than English at home. Sector leaders continue to call for stronger pathways to attract and support diverse educators, particularly in community led services.

Affordability was also cited as a barrier for some families, with services reporting increased demand for fee relief and subsidy support. The removal of the Activity Test for the Three Day Guarantee, set to take effect in 2025, is expected to ease some of these pressures.

Implications for policy and reform

The 2024 National Workforce Census arrives at a pivotal time, with major ECEC reforms either underway or under review. Labor’s re election has signalled continued commitment to affordability, workforce support and expanded access.

Findings from the census will inform how governments and providers respond to reform priorities, including the Fair Work Commission’s pay equity decision and final recommendations from the Productivity Commission.

With significant change on the horizon, accurate workforce and enrolment data will be key to shaping policies that are both equitable and sustainable.

To access the full report, visit the Department of Education’s website.