March 2022 Preschool Census and key dates

The Department will be running a Preschool Census in March 2022 in addition to the usual census undertaken in August every year.

We will be collecting enrolment data for a fortnight in March. It is important we have up-to-date data, especially given the impact of COVID-19 in 2021.

We will collect the compulsory operational and child-level data, including enrolment days and fees, but will not collect staff information.

What’s new?

We will also be collecting attendance data for a 4-week period in March using a template that may be downloaded from the Early Childhood Contract Management System (ECCMS).

We will collect arrival and departure times for every child for each attended day.

It is voluntary to submit this information as part of this Preschool Census; however, with a focus on attendance in the new Preschool Reform Agreement, we strongly encourage you to submit this data to increase our understanding of preschool attendance in NSW.

March 2022 census: key dates

Before 21 February

• Ensure you have a myGovID account and can log in to ECCMS.
  
• Make sure your details (main, contact and address) are up to date at both:
  
  • the Service Provider level
    
  • the Funding Specifications level.
    

From 21 February to 2 May

• Enter enrolment data into ECCMS for representative fortnight 7 March to 18 March. Ensure your service's data is accurate and submitted by Monday 28 March.
• Once all enrolment data has been entered and submitted, download the Attendance template. This template will be pre-filled with your service’s enrolment data.
• Enter arrival and departure times for all enrolled children for each day of attendance between 7 March and 1 April. Upload the completed template to ECCMS by Monday 2 May.

August 2022 Preschool Census

More information about the August 2022 Preschool Census, including key dates, will be provided in early 2022.

How to get help

Entering data into ECCMS

• Read the tips in:
  • ECCMS
  • the Annual Preschool Census - Quick Reference Guide in the resources box below.

Logging into ECCMS and funding queries

• Contact our Information and Enquiries team by:
  • calling 1800 619 113
    
  • emailing ecec.funding@det.nsw.edu.au.

Data collection

We use the data for government reporting purposes and to calculate service funding.