15 December 2004
Capital funding changes for early childhood ed
Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced changes to the way funding is allocated to new or expanding
community-based early childhood centres, in order to better target areas of high population growth and areas of need.
“As well, additional funding of $4 million for 2005/06 will also go into the Early Childhood Discretionary Grants
Scheme, to bring the total funding available in 2005/06 to $12.8 million. This will provide community groups with
greater opportunities to provide early childhood education services that are tailored to meet local needs," Trevor
Mallard said.
The scheme provides capital assistance to community groups to establish new or extend existing licensed and chartered
early childhood education centres. In particular it targets areas where there are fewer children accessing quality early
childhood education such as Maori, Pasifika, low income, and those in isolated communities.
“The Labour-led government is committed to making sure all kiwi kids - regardless of their background - are given the
chance to get the right start to life by participating in quality early childhood education. That's because we know it
makes a significant difference to the way children develop and achieve later on, “ Trevor Mallard said.
“Under the changes announced today, community groups wanting to establish early childhood centres in the areas of low
participation and those in isolated communities will continue to have first priority for funding," Trevor Mallard said.
"However, the three current funding pools – General, Maori and Pasifika – will be amalgamated into one pool. At the same
time, areas of high population growth such as Auckland will be included as an additional priority for the allocation of
funding from the beginning of 2005,” Trevor Mallard said.
“The changes to the Early Childhood Discretionary Grants Scheme will increase the flexibility of the scheme and will
enable closer consideration to be given to the availability of community-based early childhood services throughout the
whole country.
“Further consideration will be given to this grants scheme next year to assess the extent to which community needs for
early childhood services are being met. "
A fact sheet about government initiatives in early childhood education is attached.
ENDS