This year, the census reference week is from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August. All funded kindergarten services must collect workforce, child, fee and attendance data for this period.
Following the reference week, service providers must complete census certification in Arrival by Friday 4 September 2026.
To continue receiving kindergarten funding, you must complete the census. This applies regardless of the kindergarten program type or delivery model.
Services will be required to enter:
- attendance details for each child enrolled for the reference week
- information on fees paid during the reference week
- the name of the person completing the census certification.
Please note there is no bulk upload functionality for census attendance data. You must enter attendance and fee information for each enrolled child individually.
The annual census provides important statewide kindergarten participation and workforce information. The information from the census will be used to inform policy and meet national reporting under the Preschool Reform Agreement.
The department has shared instructions on how to complete the census in Arrival with all eligible service providers.
Find out more
For further support and enquiries, contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch.
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