Conducted regularly since 1986 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