Understanding Your Import Options

When you upload families to Enrollio, you'll see several options. Here's what each one means and when to use it.

Skip Duplicates

Use this when you want to add new families without affecting existing records. If a family already exists in your system (matched by email or phone), Enrollio will skip them and only import the new ones.

Best for: Adding new prospective families from an event, open house, or marketing campaign while keeping your current data unchanged.

[SCREENSHOT: Upload screen showing "Skip Duplicates" option selected with example CSV file]

Update Existing

This option finds matching families (by email or phone) and updates their information with the new data from your file. Any families not already in your system will be added as new records.

Best for: Refreshing outdated contact information or adding new details to existing family records.

Pro Tip: Use this option carefully — it will overwrite existing data. If a field in your CSV is blank, it won't erase the existing data in Enrollio, but filled fields will replace what's currently there.
[SCREENSHOT: Upload screen showing "Update Existing" option with field mapping preview]

Force Update

This is the most powerful option. It updates all matching families and replaces their data with exactly what's in your file — even if fields are blank in your CSV.

Best for: Complete data refreshes when you're migrating from another system or doing a major database cleanup.

Important: Use Force Update with caution. Blank fields in your CSV will erase existing data in Enrollio. Always back up your data before using this option.

Create as New

Every row in your file becomes a new family record, even if they already exist in Enrollio. This creates duplicates.

Best for: Rare situations where you need duplicate records for testing or specific tracking purposes. Most childcare centers should avoid this option.

[SCREENSHOT: Upload screen showing all four options with radio buttons]

Quick Decision Guide

  • New families only? → Skip Duplicates
  • Updating contact info? → Update Existing
  • Complete data refresh? → Force Update (be careful!)
  • Need duplicates? → Create as New (rarely needed)

Before You Upload

Regardless of which option you choose, make sure your CSV file is properly formatted with column headers that match Enrollio's fields. Clean data going in means accurate family records coming out.

Need help formatting your CSV? Check out our guide on Importing Families via CSV.