We are building an evidence-based picture of the true and reasonable costs of delivering safe, quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) across Australia. This will help the government make data-driven decisions about the pathway to universal ECEC.
On this page:
Data collection is now open: find out how to get involved below.
About the project
The Early Education Service Delivery Prices project is a national data exercise to understand the costs of delivering safe and quality ECEC across Australia.
A clear picture of service delivery costs will help to:
- identify the cost drivers of safe and quality ECEC
- quantify reasonable costs
- identify where and how these costs vary across different expense categories, service and provider characteristics, geographical locations and cohorts of children
- inform future reforms on the pathway to universal ECEC.
It is critical that our understanding of service delivery costs is based on evidence from real providers.
By participating, you can help ensure we receive high-quality data that accurately represents the diversity of the sector.
The Australian Government Department of Education is leading the project.
Deloitte Access Economics is supporting us to conduct this research, including conducting stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis.
Deloitte Access Economics will:
- examine key areas required to deliver safe and quality ECEC (e.g. fair wages, property costs and utilities)
- contact providers asking for cost data and cost drivers
- support providers in participating in the project
- review and calculate the reasonable cost of providing safe and quality ECEC
- analyse additional costs of service delivery for higher-needs cohorts
- provide us with data, models and analysis to inform future policy.
The project will not alter current funding settings or set prices for ECEC services. Any future reforms remain a decision for government.
Taking part in the project
Who can take part
All CCS-approved providers and services can participate, including:
- Centre Based Day Care
- Outside School Hours Care
- Family Day Care
- In Home Care.
Preschool programs delivered within these settings are included. Standalone preschools/kindergartens not eligible for CCS are excluded.
We will also collect perspectives from ECEC educators, parents and carers through a family and workforce survey. This will explore perspectives on quality, cost and value.
Why participation matters
ECEC services are diverse and costs can vary significantly across service types and settings. The more providers that take part, the stronger and more reliable the findings will be.
If some groups are under-represented, the findings may not fully reflect the costs and circumstances of those parts of the sector.
We encourage all providers to participate voluntarily. By doing so, you will help:
- ensure the data reflects the diversity of the sector
- inform future reforms
- pave the way to universal ECEC.
How to participate
We have invited all CCS-approved providers to participate. Look out for an email from Deloitte Access Economics (EESDP@deloitte.com.au). Please check your junk or spam folders if you can’t locate the email.
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is working with Deloitte Access Economics to contact Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
Step 1: Confirm your intention to participate
You will receive an email from Deloitte Access Economics (EESDP@deloitte.com.au) about the project. Confirm your intention to participate by responding to the email.
Step 2: Set up your account
Deloitte Access Economics will send you log in details for the secure online portal. Set up your account using the log in details.
Step 3: Choose your participation
Once registered, you can choose your level of involvement:
- complete a qualitative survey about your context and views
- provide financial and other documents to support the research
- opt in for detailed data collection if you’d like to provide more in-depth data.
What you will be asked to provide
We are collecting quantitative and qualitative information through a secure online portal. You may be asked to provide information in up to 3 parts, depending on how you choose to participate.
| Data collection | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Survey | An optional survey asks about:
|
| Financial documents | You can then choose to upload financial and other documents to help us understand your service’s costs. These could include:
|
| Detailed data collection | You can also choose to opt in for a more detailed data collection process. This will involve providing both financial and non-financial information about the inputs and activities that drive the cost of quality in your service(s). Online or in-person support will be available to assist with your participation. Only a selection of services will be invited for this stage, to ensure a representative sample across the sector. |
How your information will be used and protected
Your data will be used to:
- analyse how and why costs vary
- develop a dataset and model that informs the development of service delivery prices.
We may also use the data to inform future ECEC reforms.
Project data will not be used for compliance purposes.
We are committed to protecting commercially sensitive information. All data will be secured in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework.
All information will be confidential and handled in accordance with the department’s privacy policy.
Data collection deadline
The data portal will remain open until the end of August 2026. Providers are encouraged to participate as soon as possible, before this date.
Why some providers may receive a notice
To build a representative picture, we need information from a broad range of service types, locations and operating models.
We strongly encourage providers to participate voluntarily. However, if important information is missing, we may request information from some providers.
We will only do this if significant gaps remain and more data is required from providers with certain characteristics to ensure the data is complete and representative.
How providers will be selected
We will issue notices to providers whose information is needed to help fill identified gaps in the data.
You may be selected if you belong to a group that is under-represented in the data collected.
Legislative basis for notices
The Australian Government amended the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 (Family Assistance Administration Act) to support this project.
The changes mean we can request information from providers about the cost of delivering ECEC if needed.
This power applies only:
- to constitutional corporations
- for the duration of this project.
What to do if you receive a notice
If you receive a notice, you must provide the requested information by the date specified in the notice.
The notice will explain:
- why the information is being requested
- what information you need to provide
- how to provide it
- the timeframe for responding.
Non-compliance with a notice issued under Family Assistance Law may result in penalties.
If you have questions or need help, refer to the contact details provided in the notice.
Support available
Help is available to ensure all providers can take part.
Small provider relief payment
This payment will support small providers to participate in the project. It is available to:
- Centre Based Day Care or Outside School Hours Care providers that operate up to 10 services (including related entities)
- Family Day Care providers and educators, except those operated by state or territory governments
- In Home Care providers and educators
- providers that are Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
To be eligible, providers must:
- have a valid ABN
- be CCS eligible
- participate in the detailed data collection process.
Eligible providers can get a fixed payment of:
- $834.90 per service for online consultations
- $1,216.60 per service for in-person consultations.
You don’t need to apply for this grant. We will assess your eligibility based on the information you submit during data collection.
Payments will be made to services after the consultation has occurred. You can use the funds however you choose. We will contact you to arrange payment.
If you have any questions about this grant opportunity, email ECECworkforce@education.gov.au.
One-on-one support
Dedicated one-on-one support is available for providers and services participating in detailed data collection. Deloitte Access Economics will be in contact to share more information about how they will support you. You can also directly email EESDP@deloitte.com.au or call 1800 371 146 with questions.
General support
All providers can contact Deloitte Access Economics for help navigating the portal or providing information. Email EESDP@deloitte.com.au or call 1800 371 146.
Resources
Providers can access resources, including factsheets, FAQs and videos through the data portal.
Staying informed
If you have questions about the project, contact ececreforms@education.gov.au.
If you need help with the portal or data collection, email EESDP@deloitte.com.au or call 1800 371 146.
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