1 July a landmark day for NZ early childhood ed

Media Release

1 July a landmark day for NZ early childhood education

Six thousand 3 and 4 year olds will be receiving 'free 20 hours' in their own early childhood education centres beginning today, according to the latest survey conducted by the NZ Childcare Association among its 450 members nationwide.

"This is a significant milestone for children and families. For the first time in New Zealand, we have a government undertaking to provide free access to early childhood education. This opens the door to all 3 and 4 year olds to participate in quality early childhood education and to benefit from its long term effects," said Nancy Bell, Chief Executive of NZ Childcare Association

Last week NZ Childcare Association asked its members, comprised of community and privately-owned education and care centres, if they would be offering 'free ECE'. 78% of those who responded stated they would be opting in on 1 July.

The percentage of take up in Wellington and Auckland is consistent with nationwide figures.

"78% of Wellington and 74% of Auckland member centres are opting in. The highest percentage is in the South Island, with 84% opting in," explained Nancy.

A further 9% of members who responded remain undecided.

"I did not expect all centres to opt in straight away. There are still some who have reservations about implementing the policy and would like to see how others get on before deciding," added Nancy.

According to the survey, most centres are opting in with no significant changes in their fee structure. Around 30% have reported that they will be introducing optional charges.

"There is concern that policy around optional charges place services at risk, as they cannot enforce payment on parents, however most of our members remain optimistic," said Nancy.

Staff and parents at Gisborne Community Early Education Centre reflect this optimism.

"The optional charge in our centre is nothing more than that we are currently charging parents for any extras we offer. These include excursions, cultural, art and sporting events," said Wendy Ure of Gisborne Community Early Education Centre.

Jo Haughey, centre parent adds, "We are really delighted with 'free ECE'. At the end of the day, as long as you are happy with the quality of education your child is receiving, then it works out well. Optional charges are not an issue as long these are clarified and show value for money."

Pat Irvine, Director of Dunedin Community Childcare Association represents the views of the majority of NZCA members, "Philosophically, 'free 20 hours' is the way we have to go and we are all committed. I believe that the funding is an implementation issue which the Ministry should be able to sort out."

Other issues that face the ECE sector are providing enough places to meet growing demand and keeping pace with moves towards pay parity for qualified ECE teachers.

"Services will be vitally interested in the way implementation issues are addressed and will need to see funding rates keeping pace with rising costs," said Nancy.

"This step towards free entitlement to early childhood education must be celebrated. This was always going to be a complex policy to roll out so we are heartened by the early take up rate. We are keen to now monitor the impact of this policy and work with the Ministry to identify issues and anomalies so these can be addressed," said Nancy.

Te Tari Puna Ora O Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association has been promoting high quality early childhood education since 1963. The Association has 450 community and privately-owned member centres nationwide.

ENDS

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