The Australian Government Census of Child Care Services has been conducted regularly since 1986. The information provided in the Census is the most comprehensive data available on Australian Government approved and funded child care. It is used extensively for monitoring growth, operation of services and assisting in policy formulation and planning. The most recent Census was conducted in May 2006.
The Census examines information about child care users, staff and carers and operational details of child care services for 9 service types:
- Aboriginal Playgroups and Enrichment Programs
- Family Day Care Schemes
- In Home Care Schemes
- Long Day Care Services
- Mobiles and Toy Libraries
- Multifunctional Aboriginal Children's Services
- Occasional Care Services
- Outside School Hours Care Services
- Vacation Care Services
2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services
The 2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services details the findings of the Census conducted in May 2006 by the former Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
The 2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services summary booklet contains summarised tables from the Census. The 2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services full publication and summary publication are now both available..
- 2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services -
Summary Booklet (
PDF 2MB)
- 2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services - ( PDF 8MB)
Previous Census Publications
Electronic copies of previous Australian Government Census of Child Care Services publications are available on the Previous Census Publications page.
Further Information
To obtain copies of the 2006 Australian Government Census of Child Care Services data collection forms or for any enquires about this collection, please contact the child care census team at childcare.census@deewr.gov.au.