How we will assess applicants for the 2026 tranche#

Applications for the 2026 tranche will be assessed based on:

• readiness for integration 
• the criteria and requirements outlined in the application form. 

Provide as much information as possible. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applicants that do not meet the criteria or requirements can re-submit their applications within the application submission period.

The successful applicant will be invited to work with us to complete the ELI integration process. This will start in late 2026. The process is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Before starting the ELI integration process, we will advise the successful applicant of timelines, sequence of events and expectations. Timelines are subject to change at our discretion. The successful applicants will have to sign an agreement that sets out the expectations and responsibilities between both parties.

If any successful applicant cannot complete the ELI integration process, we may assess the remaining applications and work with the next successful applicant to start the ELI integration process.

Before you can apply#

You must meet the following development criteria at the time you apply.

Intended functionalities#

Your student management system must already be developed to the ELI integration specifications. It must have all intended functionalities including National Student Index (NSI) and ELI requirements like: 

• child profile creation 
• child enrolment
• child booking schedule
• 20 Hours ECE funding
• attendance marking
• annual ECE census data (staff details and qualifications)
• RS7 return (for example, calculation for funding periods)
• Waha Rumaki/PITA Return (teacher allowances for specific education & care service types).

Service support#

Your student management system must be capable of supporting:

• centre-based (includes education and care services and kindergarten) and home-based services
• sessional and all-day licensed services
• a minimum of 50 services.

Regulatory requirements#

Your student management service must be capable of supporting early learning services to meet all:

• requirements outlined in the ECE Funding Handbook
• laws and regulations that apply to early learning services.

ECE funding handbook

Laws and regulations for early learning services

Apply to integrate#

If you are interested in integrating with the ELI system, and your SMS meets the criteria above, follow the steps below.

After your application#

After we have accepted your application, you will need to develop the NSI and ELI integration components. This includes the interface to NSI and creation of events and transmission of events to ELI.