Parents to pay up to $60 a week more for Early Childhood Education

The Government confirmed today that parents could face costs of $20-40 a week more per child for early childhood education but some centres estimate the real cost could be up to $60 per week per child, Labour Spokesperson for Early Childhood Education Sue Moroney says.

“Ministry of Education data also shows that the top two subsidy rates will be cut from 20 hours ECE despite an election promise from National that they would keep 20 hours free ECE including the same subsidies and fee controls.

"That makes it three broken election promises from this Government on early childhood education alone," says Sue Moroney.

“The Government has also scrapped its election promise to remove the six hour daily limit for 20 hours ECE and also to improve staff/child ratios for children under two.

“Anne Tolley confirmed today that she expected centres would be making staffing ‘changes’ in order to deal with the funding cuts instituted by her Government.

"That's code for her expecting centres to sack qualified staff and cut wages,” Sue Moroney said.

“What those changes mean is that ECE centres will have less money to employ qualified staff. We know that children who take part in high quality ECE do better in life so why is the Minister running this service down rather than improving it?

“Parents are already facing increased GST costs thanks to the budget and now they face higher childcare costs. Families who are already struggling are now going to be significantly financially worse off.

"Parents and staff are angry that they are now expected to sacrifice the quality of pre-school children's education because of a bad decision by this Government. They feel betrayed,” Sue Moroney said.

ENDS

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