SCOPE OF THE COLLECTION
The collection scope of the National Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Collection consists of all establishments delivering an early childhood education (ECE) program. An ECE program is defined as a structured, play based learning program primarily aimed at children in the year or two before they commence full-time schooling, and usually delivered by a qualified teacher on a sessional basis. This is irrespective of the type of institution that provides it or whether it is government funded or privately provided. This manual uses the term ‘preschool’ to describe an ECE program, notwithstanding that the terminology varies considerably across the jurisdictions. Further information on key definitions, such as jurisdictional terminology and definitions of preschools, can be found in Chapter 3, Concepts and Definitions.
The National ECEC Collection aims to compile child, teacher and service provider statistics from all in-scope preschool programs. Child care services that do not operate a preschool program are out of scope.
Child data
All children enrolled in a preschool program, at an in-scope service provider, are within scope. To be considered as enrolled, the child must be between 3 and 6 years old inclusive, have been offered a place at the preschool program and be actively attending. Children who are absent in the reference period due to illness or holiday leave are considered to be enrolled if they are expected to return.
Teacher data
Persons in scope of the collection are those who are engaged in the provision of a preschool program, at an in-scope early childhood education establishment. Teacher level data were not published as part of the 2010 National ECEC Collection, however this data is expected to be included in future releases. In 2010 teacher data was collected as part of the National ECEC Workforce Census, which was an initiative of the Australian Government, as represented by DEEWR, in partnership with state and territory governments. Teacher data will be further developed in 2011.
Service provider data
A service provider is considered to be in-scope if it is delivering an in-scope preschool program.
Print Page
Print All