2026 ECEC National Workforce Census opens for approved providers

Registration is now open for the sixth Early Childhood Education and Care National Workforce Census, with Child Care Subsidy approved providers and services required to take part.

The Australian Government Department of Education has released a stakeholder kit to help organisations share clear and consistent information about the census with approved providers and services.

The census is a national data collection about the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce. It captures information that helps the government understand workforce composition, qualifications, employment arrangements and broader trends across the sector.

This evidence base supports the development and measurement of policies, programs and workforce strategies for early childhood education and care.

For approved providers, the census is also an important opportunity to contribute to a clearer national picture of the people who deliver education and care to children and families every day.

Completion of the National Workforce Census is mandatory for all Child Care Subsidy (CCS) approved providers and services.

The stakeholder kit is designed for organisations that support CCS-approved providers and services, including peak bodies, provider groups, sector associations and professional networks.

It includes ready-to-use materials that can be shared through newsletters, social media and other communication channels. The Department has asked stakeholders not to alter the supplied images, to ensure national messaging remains consistent.

The Social Research Centre has been commissioned to conduct the census. Approved providers and services should look out for an email from the Social Research Centre with information about registration and participation.

The Department is encouraging stakeholders to share the information with their networks and support providers and services to register as soon as possible.

For service leaders, the census may also provide a useful prompt to review internal workforce information, including staff records, qualifications and employment details, ahead of participation.

Accurate and timely participation helps ensure the data collected reflects the current realities of the ECEC workforce, including the challenges and opportunities experienced across different service types, locations and roles.

As workforce sustainability remains a key priority for the sector, the National Workforce Census will play an important role in informing future planning and support.

Find out more and register here.