Free ECE good for families and children

27 April 2007

Free ECE good for families and children

Te Tari Puna Ora O Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association is committed to the 'free 20 hours' because it reduces the cost to parents and increases access to early childhood education for children.

"The 'free hours' policy is an important step in the direction of publicly funded ECE and creates a level playing field where parents can choose the service they want, regardless of cost," said Nancy Bell, Chief Executive of Te Tari Puna Ora O Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association.

The online poll conducted by the Association currently shows that 63% of the member centres will offer 'free 20 hours'. 28% are undecided until they work through the logistics with their committees and parents.

The Association is aware that centres are anxious about the funding rates compensating for the loss in parent fees, however, more than half of the centres would offer the 'free hours' with no significant changes. The other centres stated that they would have to restructure their fees, revise their enrolment policies or implement optional charges to make the policy work.

Judy Kaa, owner of a private ECE centre in Kerikeri is one of the centres who will opt in. "We think it's great for parents and children and the rates cover our costs. We are really behind the vision of 'free 20 hours'," she said.

The policy allows centres to ask for 'voluntary contribution where there is no obligation to contribute and no enforcement of payment'. Furthermore, centres may request parents' buy in to "optional charges" as payment for extra services under free ECE if these are justified and discussed with the parents.

"Centres will need to be transparent with the parents and explain why optional charges are needed," Nancy said.

"I am confident parents who access free hours will shift to a fund-raising and donation culture similar to the school sector and the quality of the service will not be compromised. At the end of the day, 'free 20 hours' gives parents more choices," said Nancy.

'Free 20 Hours' will commence on 1 July.

Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association has over 1000 members in early childhood education centres throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

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