We are seeking input from not-for-profit providers, local governments and First Nations led providers about their capacity to build and expand early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in areas of need across Australia. Responses will help shape future grant opportunities under the Building Early Education Fund.
On this page:
What is market sounding?
Market sounding is a process where we seek input from not-for-profit organisations about their capacity, interest, and any constraints in delivering new or expanded ECEC services. Your feedback will help shape future grant opportunities under the Building Early Education Fund.
Market sounding is not a grant application. Responses will inform the design and eligibility criteria for future grants.
Why are we doing this?
The Building Early Education Fund is a $1 billion investment to build and expand ECEC centres in areas of need, including the outer suburbs and regional Australia. By understanding the sector’s capacity and challenges, we can design grant opportunities that are practical, targeted, and effective.
Who can participate?
There are a number of distinct market sounding opportunities. Please read the descriptions below and select the form that best matches your organisation.
The forms must be completed by a person with management or control (PMC) of your provider or a nominated individual. Please note the deadlines for each opportunity, as we cannot accommodate extensions.
1. Large scale market sounding - now closed
Large scale market sounding closed 5 November 2025. We sought views from large not-for-profit providers about their ability to build and operate multiple new services at scale. Thank you to all organisations who participated. Your responses will help inform the design and eligibility criteria for future grant opportunities.
2. Small scale market sounding
Centre Based Day Care
We want to hear from smaller not-for-profit providers and First Nations led providers that:
- hold Child Care Subsidy (CCS) provider approval
- operate between 1 and 9 Centre Based Day Care (CBDC) services
- have a strong track record of meeting the National Quality Framework (NQF)
- have a history of compliance with Family Assistance Law (FAL)
- have interest and capacity to build or expand and deliver at least one CBDC service in areas of need
- have available land or the capacity to acquire land.
Complete the Small Scale Centre Based Day Care Market Sounding Form by 5 pm AEDT 18 December 2025.
In-Venue Family Day Care
We also want to hear from smaller not-for-profit providers and local governments that, in addition to the above, have interest and capacity to modify an existing building to deliver In-Venue Family Day Care.
Complete the Small Scale In-Venue Family Day Care Market Sounding Form by 5 pm AEDT 18 December 2025.
What will funding support?
Future grants are expected to focus on targeted capital funding to deliver new ECEC services in areas of need. For example, projects may include:
- services that are viable but face barriers to accessing infrastructure finance
- projects under consideration that could be expanded with co-contribution from the Building Fund to deliver additional places where there is demand
- sites with lower viability that meet important demand and could be supported across a portfolio of new or existing services.
How are areas of need identified?
To determine priority areas, we will:
- analyse a range of sources including data on supply, need and disadvantage
- work with state, territory and local governments and peak bodies
- consult communities.
What happens next?
If you meet the criteria outlined above, please complete the relevant market sounding form by the deadline.
The form must be completed by a person with management or control (PMC) of your provider or a nominated individual.
Your response will help shape future grant opportunities. We may contact you for clarification or further information. Updates about future grant rounds will be provided on our website.
If you have questions or need help, contact ccshelpdesk@education.gov.au.