Quality outcomes for children depend on a highly skilled, well-supported and professionally recognised early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce. Learn about who works in the sector and see what we’re doing to build a high-quality and sustainable workforce.
Have your say in the 2026 early childhood education and care (ECEC) staff survey!
If you work in ECEC, we'd like to hear about your experience in the sector. Your feedback will help improve understanding of the workforce and inform future policies and initiatives that support it. The survey is anonymous, confidential and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey closes 10am AEDT 14 December 2026.
We're extending wage support. On 17 June 2026, the Australian Government announced:
- the worker retention payment will continue until 30 June 2028
- Family Day Care and In Home Care services that engage all educators as employees will be able to join the program
- fee growth caps for new and existing participants
- a new condition linking the program to child safety.
Read our announcement and check back here for more details soon.
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