Free 20 hours signals future commitment

Media Release – for immediate release
NZ Childcare Association

07 July 2007

Free 20 hours signals future commitment

Governments' intention to fully fund 20 hours of early childhood education for all 3 and 4 year olds was the Education Minister's key message at Paihia today. This message was applauded by the 400 delegates at the 44th Annual Conference of NZ Childcare Association in Paihia, Bay of Islands.

"Free 20 hours ECE for 3 and 4 year olds is a milestone policy for New Zealand because it means that there is ongoing commitment to public funding," said Nancy Bell, Chief Executive of NZ Childcare Association.

Education Minister Hon. Steve Maharey addressed the delegates in his speech "Early childhood education: A new era begins." He reported more centres opting in since the initial figure of 65,147 was released with a thousand more 3-and-4 year olds now in the pipeline to receive free ECE.

"We are heartened to see that there has been a significant early take up rate among eligible ECE services, and 70% of New Zealand's 3-and-4 year olds are already receiving free ECE. We are confident that this number will increase," said Nancy.

The policy is welcomed by early childhood educators who believe that quality ECE should be a universal entitlement, regardless of parents'
ability to pay.

"There is a resounding support from our members for 'free ECE'. 78% told us they would opt in from the start. Our members believe in the vision behind this policy and see the difference it is already making for children and families," said Nancy.

According to the Ministry report, 95% of 3 and 4 year olds in the Northland region will be receiving free ECE.

"We have 25 children eligible for free 20 hours. The parents are all in and the community is happy to see that the cost barrier in accessing quality ECE is broken down because of this policy," said Judy Kaa, owner of Nurture by Nature in Kerikeri.

Fiona Shepherd owner of two centres in the region has opted into the scheme. "It is such a huge benefit to the parents. They save about $80 per week because of free 20 hours. Despite the optional charges, the parents were still thankful that our centre opted in. The parents acknowledge the quality of service we provide and would want to see this continue," said Fiona.

The Minister indicated that the Ministry would be carrying out a snapshot survey of services over the summer to identify issues and anomalies.

"The principle is established and we just about have the money right, but want to be able to make adjustments if issues are starting to emerge," said Maharey.

Members of the NZ Childcare Association welcomed this survey.

"This is a complex policy and it will take time to work through the challenges of implementation," said Nancy.

"At the end of the day, this is all about getting children engaged in sustained quality early childhood education," 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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