Please note: your 2026 ECE Census submission is due on 16 July 2026.

Description

The annual ECE census is completed by early childhood education services and gives the Ministry of Education a 'snapshot' of the number of attending children and staff at ECE services during the census week. This information contributes to a comprehensive information base on early childhood education in New Zealand and is used in the development of policy and monitoring of early childhood education.

2026 ECE Census change

There are no changes to data collected for the 2026 ECE Census.

For more information on what is collected in the ECE census, please visit the ECE census guidelines page.

Services using Early Learning Information (ELI) system

ELI is an information system for licensed ECE services. It collects and stores information on participating children's enrolment and attendance in licensed ECE services. Information is also collected on staff working in each licensed ECE service.

• ELI is available to all licensed ECE services to complete the ECE census. This is the replacement of the paper based RS61 form services used to complete.
• ELI allows licensed ECE services to submit data to the Ministry electronically. If any licensed ECE services don’t already have a student management system, you could submit the census through ELI Web which is a free student management system for all licensed ECE services. Please contact the ministry for more information on ELI Web.

More information on ELI can be found on this ELI webpage. If you have further queries, you can contact the Ministry at: ELI Queries Mailbox.

Services not using ELI (Digital Qualtrics Census Survey)

For casual and hospital-based services and playgroups which are not connected to ELI, you can complete your census digitally via an online survey that will be emailed to you in the census week. If your email address has changed, or you do not receive a survey, please contact ece.statistics@education.govt.nz for assistance.

All licensed ECE services (except casual and hospital-based services) are connected to ELI via their student management system (SMS) and can complete the form electronically. If you require support, please contact your SMS in the first instance. Otherwise please contact ece.statistics@education.govt.nz for assistance.

Kōhanga reo submissions are handled by the Te Kōhanga reo National Trust.