NSW Annual Preschool Census: what services need to know for 2026

Community and mobile preschools across New South Wales are encouraged to prepare for the 2026 Annual Preschool Census, with the data collection continuing to inform funding, planning and policy decisions across the early childhood education sector.

The NSW Department of Education has released information to support eligible services participating in the census, which collects data about preschool enrolments, attendance, service operations and workforce information.

All community preschools and mobile preschools funded through the Start Strong program are required to participate, with approved providers responsible for ensuring information submitted is accurate and completed within required timeframes.

The Annual Preschool Census provides the NSW Government with information about how preschool programs are operating across different communities.

Data collected through the census supports planning and helps inform decisions about early childhood education funding, programs and future policy development.

As the early childhood landscape continues to evolve, accurate information helps build a clearer understanding of service needs, participation trends and the experiences of children and families accessing preschool.

The information collected also supports the ongoing delivery of programs such as Start Strong, which aims to improve access to quality preschool education for children in NSW.

The census collects a range of information about participating services and the children attending preschool programs.

This may include information relating to:

• enrolments and attendance
• children’s age groups and other enrolment details
• service operations and delivery models
• fees and funding information
• staffing and workforce details.

This information allows the Department to monitor changes across the sector and better understand how preschool services are supporting communities across NSW.

Approved providers and service leaders can support the census process by ensuring service records are current and internal processes are in place before submission.

Preparation may include reviewing enrolment information, checking attendance records and ensuring staff responsible for completing the census understand reporting requirements.

Maintaining accurate records throughout the year can also assist services in meeting broader operational and governance responsibilities.

The census process provides an opportunity for services to review information about their operations and consider how data reflects changing community needs.

Reliable sector data supports evidence-informed decision making and helps governments understand where investment and support may be needed.

For early childhood education and care (ECEC), data collection provides insight into participation, access and workforce trends.

These insights are particularly important as governments continue to focus on improving access to early learning and supporting long-term sector sustainability.

While individual service circumstances vary, information collected across the sector helps identify broader patterns and areas where additional planning may be required.

Data collection also connects with the broader focus on reflection and continuous improvement within early childhood education.

Under the National Quality Framework, approved providers and service teams are encouraged to use information and evidence to support decision making and improve outcomes for children.

Understanding enrolment trends, community needs and workforce patterns can help services reflect on their current approaches and plan for the future.

The NSW Department of Education provides guidance and support to assist eligible services in completing the Annual Preschool Census.

Services are encouraged to review available information, understand requirements and ensure relevant team members are prepared for the reporting process.

Prepare for the census now and access information here.