9 July 2026
Latest News
The Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) is calling on small and medium-sized early learning providers to urgently participate in the Australian Government’s Services Delivery Prices (SDP) project, warning that insufficient participation could result in future funding decisions failing to reflect the true costs of operating independent services.
The SDP project is designed to gather evidence about the reasonable costs of delivering safe, high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC). The information collected will help inform future policy and funding decisions, including potential changes to the current early learning funding system.
ACA President Paul Mondo has expressed concerns that, without strong representation from small and medium-sized providers, the financial realities faced by stand-alone and community-based services may not be adequately captured.
“Small and medium providers play a critical role in Australia’s early learning sector, and it is essential that their operating costs, challenges and circumstances are reflected in this important research,” Mr Mondo said.
“Without meaningful participation from independent providers, future funding models risk being developed without a complete understanding of the costs involved in delivering high-quality ECEC services.”
Mr Mondo said providers should also be aware that, if there is insufficient voluntary participation from small and medium-sized services, the Australian Government has legislative powers to require data to be provided through a compulsory data acquisition process.
“While ACA is strongly encouraging providers to participate voluntarily, it is important that members understand that, if participation levels remain too low, the government may issue compulsory acquisition notices requiring selected providers to provide the requested information,” Mr Mondo said.
Government support available for participating providers
The Department of Education is offering a Small Provider Relief Payment to eligible service providers that participate in the detailed SDP data collection process.
Eligible providers can receive:
- $834.90 per service for online consultations; or
- $1,216.60 per service for in-person consultations.
Providers do not need to apply separately for this payment. Payments will be made after the consultation has occurred, with eligibility determined based on the data submitted. Providers can then use the payment at their discretion.
Deloitte Access Economics, which has been engaged by the Australian Government to manage the SDP project, is also available to support providers throughout the data collection process through email and telephone assistance.
How ECEC service providers can participate
ACA members can participate in the SDP project by either:
- completing a survey; or
- taking part in detailed data collection through the SDP project portal.
The ACA strongly encourages small and medium providers to participate in the detailed data collection option wherever possible, as this will provide the most comprehensive evidence about the actual costs of operating early learning services.
To participate, providers should:
Step 1: Confirm participation
Providers should respond to the email received from Deloitte Access Economics (EESDP@deloitte.com.au) confirming their intention to participate.
If the original email cannot be located, providers can call 1800 371 146 and request that it be resent.
Step 2: Set up an account
Once participation has been confirmed, Deloitte Access Economics will provide login details for the secure SDP project portal. Providers can then set up their account and access the available participation options.
Step 3: Select the level of involvement
Registered providers can choose how they participate, including:
- completing a qualitative survey about their service context and experiences;
- providing financial and other supporting documents; or
- opting into detailed data collection to provide more in-depth information.
Why participation matters
The ACA believes it is vital that the voices and experiences of independent providers are included in discussions about the future of early learning funding.
If stand-alone providers do not participate, the unique costs associated with operating smaller services may continue to be overlooked, potentially affecting the development of future funding arrangements and the long-term viability of independent services.
While the Government has powers to compel participation and refusal may result in financial penalties, ACA is encouraging providers to participate voluntarily to ensure their circumstances are accurately represented.
By contributing their data, ACA members can help build a stronger evidence base and support future decisions that recognise the genuine costs of delivering quality early learning services.
Support available
Providers requiring assistance with the SDP portal or the data collection process can contact Deloitte Access Economics:
- Email: EESDP@deloitte.com.au
- Phone: 1800 371 146
- Department of Education's SDP project webpage
ACA encourages all eligible small and medium providers to consider participating as soon as possible to ensure independent services have a strong voice in shaping the future of early learning funding.
