From 2014 the Early Learning Information (ELI) system was introduced to capture data electronically resulting in some definition changes, including how teaching staff are defined. In ELI the count includes all teaching staff who had contact with children during census week (including relievers and temporary staff). Prior to 2014, the paper-based form RS61 excluded relievers and temporary staff from its count. Therefore numbers are likely to be higher from 2014 and caution needs to be taken when comparing data collected pre and post 2014.

In 2019, 90% of licensed ECE services submitted their ECE returns through ELI.  Only Te Kōhanga Reo, casual and hospital-based services submitted paper-based RS61 return.

The following document gives an overview of key findings from the latest ECE census.

The tables below provide statistics on the number of teaching staff and educators in ECE services. These include interactive pivot tables which allow you to create your own tables by any combination of variables available and time-series files which are pre-made tables which centre on key statistics.

Please note: use of the pivot table spreadsheets require MS Excel version 2007 or later.

Teaching Staff

Numbers of teaching staff within licensed teacher-led ECE services by type of service, full-time, part time, qualification and registration status.

Home-based Educators

Numbers of educators within home-based ECE services by gender and other regional type variables.