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2026 Early Childhood Education & Care Provider Survey

Help Us Advocate for the ECEC Sector on the Mid North Coast

At RDA Mid North Coast (RDAMNC), we know that local Early Childhood Education and Care providers continue to face significant challenges — from workforce shortages and rising costs to ever-growing demand from families.

In 2023, we surveyed families and ECEC providers to understand the true scale of the childcare challenge in our region. The findings were compelling — only 65% of demand is being met, with an estimated $384 million per year in lost wages for local families. You can read the full summary and economic analysis on our website (https://rdamnc.org.au/projects/childcare-on-the-mid-north-coast/).

Since then, both the Federal and State Governments have announced a raft of reforms across the ECEC sector. We want to understand — have these changes made a tangible difference for providers on the Mid North Coast?

Your perspective is essential.

We're inviting ECEC providers to complete a short survey to help us build a current picture of the sector in our region. Your on-the-ground insights into capacity, workforce, demand and the impact of recent policy changes are critical to strengthening our advocacy.

Your privacy is protected.

No identifying information is required, and all results are presented collectively, never individually.

Your responses directly support RDAMNC's advocacy efforts with Federal and State Government to push for meaningful investment and reform. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Operations Officer, Dianne Wall, at operations@rdamnc.org.au.

Thank you for your time, and for the vital work you do for Mid North Coast families.
1.In what local government area do you operate? (select all that apply)
2.What type of ECEC service do you operate?
3.What age brackets do you accept? (Please select all that apply)
4.How many places is your operation approved for?
5.Are you operating at your maximum capacity?
6.If no, can you please tell us why?
7.How long is your wait list?
8.Do you have any positions vacant?
9.If yes, how long have you been recruiting for this position?
10.What qualifications are required to fill the vacant positions? Select all that apply.
11.Would you consider offering traineeships to potential workers?
12.Have you employed trainees in the past?
13.If yes, was this a positive experience for the employer and the employee?
14.What are the main barriers to attracting and retaining staff in the ECEC sector? Please select all that apply.
15.Please provide any additional comments regarding barriers to attracting and retaining staff.
16.Has the Federal Government's Early Childhood Education and Care Worker Retention Payment Grant assisted in the attraction and retention of ECEC workers?
17.Are you concerned about your organisation's ability to continue to pay current staff wage levels once the Grant expires in November 2026?
18.Has your organisation experienced any other wins or challenges as a result of the ECEC Worker Retention Payment Grant?
19.Are you a For-Profit or Not-For-Profit entity?
20.Are the current funding mechanisms through the federal and state governments for providing long day care and preschool services appropriate for sustainable operations?
21.What are the top 3 priorities that need to be addressed in solving the ECEC crisis? Please select 3 options
22.Is there anything else that you would like to share with us that can assist in our ongoing advocacy efforts?
23.If you would like to have a one-on-one discussion with us, please include your contact details (OPTIONAL).