Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Data Project

Known as the National Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) collection, the ABS is currently working with education departments to eventually collect and process unit record data from each state and territory in relation to early childhood education. The standards and classifications for this system are being designed with the assistance of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Endorsed by the Ministerial Council on Education, Early Childhood Development & Youth Affairs (MCEECDYA), a trial of this collection is being conducted. Jurisdictions and the Commonwealth have provided test data for the trial from March to May 2010. A common collection for the Census of preschool students will be implemented in all but one of the jurisdictions this year.

For further information please contact Phillip O’Connor (02) 6252 7356.