ECE census (also known as the ECE return)

The ECE Census collects information about the operations of an early childhood service during a particular week. This information contributes to a comprehensive information base on early childhood education (ECE) in New Zealand and is used by the Ministry to monitor and forecast ECE expenditure and design new policies.

All licensed early childhood services connected to the ELI system need to complete and submit the ECE Census. Funding may be withheld in part or in full if a service does not submit a complete and accurate ECE Census by the due date.

If your service is not able to connect to ELI, you must complete the RS61 form.

Collection of ECE census information as a condition of funding

It is a condition of funding that every service provider of a licensed early childhood service must provide the information listed in this chapter to the Ministry of Education, at the frequency specified, through the ELI system or any alternative method the service provider is authorised by the Ministry to use, to enable the Secretary for Education or the Minister of Education to exercise their powers or carry out their responsibilities under the Act, and as permitted by Privacy Principles 10 and 11.

Services who do not provide this information to the Ministry through the ELI system or an approved alternative method may have their funding withheld in part or in full.

Funding payments will continue once:

• complete and accurate ECE Census data is submitted.

Minimum frequency of collection

Licensed early childhood services must submit ECE Census information once per year. The collection date is notified by the Ministry.

ECE census service information collected

The following ECE Census Service Information must be submitted to the Ministry:

• Waiting time for under 1-year-olds
• Waiting time for 1-year-olds.
• Waiting time for 2-year-olds.
• Waiting time for 3-year-olds.
• Waiting time for 4-year-olds.
• Teaching language/s at service.
• Teaching language percentages at service.

ECE census staff information collected

The following ECE Census staff information must be submitted to the Ministry:

• Role.
• Gender.
• Ethnicity.
• Highest ECE or organization qualification held.
• Teaching Council certification details.
• Staff start and end dates working at service.
• Staff start and end dates in role at service.
• Staff member age band.
• Total Hours worked during the ECE Census week.
• Is Full Time flag.
• Is Permanent flag.
• Is Paid flag.
• Previously Worked As Teacher flag (permanent staff only).
• Arrived From Another Service flag (permanent staff only).
• Leaving Teacher Destination (permanent staff only).
• Actual contact hours for teachers/staff (start and end dates and actual contact start and finish times spent teaching children).
• Minimum child age taught (months).
• Maximum child age taught (months).