NATIONAL PRESCHOOL CENSUS
CONTACT
Schools Data Services Unit
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
Telephone (02) 6240 9281
Email lars.stahre@deewr.gov.au
Website www.deewr.gov.au
DESCRIPTION
The National Preschool Census is a national collection of preschool student enrolments, with a focus on Indigenous students. It is conducted to monitor the effectiveness of one of the aims of the Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP), which is to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preschool participation. The collection is also used as the basis for allocation of IESIP funds to preschools.
Scope
The collection covers government preschools which are included on each jurisdiction's census list. Non-government establishments involved in the provision of preschool education, registered preschools and centres offering an educational program are also included.
The collection counts students as enrolled if they were on the roll during the census week, and had attended a preschool education program in the last month.
Reference Period
The first week in August.
Frequency of Collection
Annual
Method of Collection
There are two parts to the collection. First, forms are despatched to registered non-government preschools, using the list provided by state and territory registration authorities. All preschools are asked to return the form, even if they do not have any Indigenous enrolments in the census week. If the preschools do have Indigenous enrolments, they are required to complete an extra questionnaire. Preschools are given approximately four weeks to return the questionnaire. Telephone follow-up of non-respondents is undertaken.
Secondly, government data and data in respect of Victorian non-government preschools are requested directly from the relevant state or territory government authority.
DISSEMINATION
Release Schedule
Data are released in the year following the reference year.
Publications
National Preschool Census, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and All Students. Data Analysis Australia, Perth, for DEEWR.
Geography
Information is available for Australia, all states and territories, Statistical Districts and MCEETYA classification areas of Metropolitan, Provincial and Remote. For some data other geographical levels may be available, depending on confidentiality.
Data Service
For data requests, refer to the contact officer.
DATA ITEMS
Preschool details
State or territory
Statistical District of preschool
Metropolitan, Provincial, or Remote (Ministerial Council for Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs [MCEETYA] classification)
Government or non-government
Number of Indigenous students enrolled in preschool education programs
Number of all students enrolled in preschool education programs
Number of Indigenous children currently on the waiting list
Number of all children currently on the waiting list
Whether also offered a childcare program
Number of staff
Number of Indigenous staff
Indigenous students
Date of birth
Number of sessions attending
Total hours enrolled
Whether expects to enrol in school next year
All Students
Age
Sex
Indigenous identifier
Government or non-government preschool
State or territory
Metropolitan, Provincial, or Remote
Statistical District of preschool
Staff
Teaching Staff, Teaching Aides, or Other
Indigenous identifier
Historical Data
The National Indigenous Preschool Census, which was conducted from 1983 onwards, was expanded in 2005 to include all students. Comparable Indigenous data are available from 2001 onwards.
Print Page