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Welcome to the Office of Early Childhood Education
National and public adviser on ECE, the OECE is a sector body representing teachers and all types of licensed services driving safer, higher‑quality education for every child
View our positions
- Provides membership support to ECE services, teachers, researchers, and community partners
- Actively contributes to sector analysis, research, and policy development
- Advances evidence-based best practices that prioritise children’s interests and wellbeing
View the Code of Conduct for ECE Services
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National and local stories, expert analysis, commentary, and more.
Education Bulletin and Sector Notices
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Membership Services and Support for:
Teacher Member Posts
Plane Spotting and Tracking
Plane Spotting at the ECE Service.
Going plane spotting is easy. You can do this now without leaving home or your early childhood service.
There are thousands of learning possibilities…
Technology – tracking planes, use of real timeGeography – different countriesMaths – comparing land masses, number of planes, altitude, speed, di
Sandpit Play Variations and Learning Extension
Extending play in the sandpit and ways of turning the sandpit into an amazing social hub for learning.
Below are practical tips and guidance for teachers and parents on
variations to basic sandpit play equipment and changes you can introduce daily or weekly to maintain and invigorate children’s interest and participation,ways to get ch
Diabetes
What is diabetes? What does it mean for a young child to have diabetes? What does it mean for the child’s family, caregivers and preschool? How can you help support the diabetic child?
This article will answer many of the questions you may have about diabetes and caring for and teaching a young diabetic child.&n
Speaking Up in ECE: How to Raise Issues in Your Workplace or Community, Influence Change, and Advocate
If something in your workplace or in the wider ECE sector isn’t sitting right with you, you’re not alone – and you’re not powerless.
We speak up to protect children, strengthen the profession, and create healthier, safer workplaces.
But raising concerns can feel overwhelming, scary, and hard.
Think of one thing you’d really like to change. This article helps you work out the best way to communicate it – whether that’s addressing an issue with your employer, raising a sector‑wide concern, or advocating for children’s rights.
Log in with your member details to read the full guidance. If your membership has lapsed or you’d like to join, get in touch with us or go to the Join page on our website.
You’ll learn about common stumbling blocks, ways to build your confidence, and take the next step without feeling out of your depth.
Service Provider Member Posts
Trauma Policy: Procedures for Responding to Critical Incidents and Trauma in ECE Services
Every early childhood service needs a clear Trauma Policy to protect children, families, and staff when the unexpected occurs.
Traumatic incidents can happen and having a well‑designed plan ensures your team responds safely, confidently, and in line with legal requirements.
Our comprehensive policy template and procedures give services the structure they need to act quickly, support wellbeing, and maintain a calm, coordinated response.
Head Injury Suffered by Toddler on Concrete Ground in Mid-Winter
For an outline of key facts read our article: Nelson’s fall: Parents still don’t know how their toddler hit his head on concrete and had a brain injury at childcare
We’ve reviewed the centre manager’s report of the incident, Ministry of Education communications, Worksafe report, and lawyer correspondence. The learning we’ve taken is:
Don’t take children outside until the outdoor playground safety check is completed and ticked/signed.
Case Studies of Centres that Successfully Completed Self-Review
Self-Review and The Quality Journey: Is there a Leader at the Helm? By Anne Grey.
This article explores the role of the leader in early childhood centre self-review.
Two case studies of centres that had successfully completed self-review in the previous twelve-month period were undertaken. The leader of each centre was interviewed, the
Associate Teacher and Centre Information on Supporting Student Kaiako & Payment
If you’re a qualified, registered teacher and you’re ready to start supporting student kaiako as an Associate Teacher, we’ve got some helpful information to make the experience as rich and rewarding for everyone involved.
Research Library – Today’s Featured Articles
Communities of Learning: Promoting Equity in ECE Policy and Practice
Research on equity ideas and strategies for teachers and kaiako to advance equitable educational opportunities for all tamariki/children. Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
Can Early Years’ Practitioners Facilitate Social Development During Conflicts Between Young Children?
Research on social competence, mediation strategies and how teachers can better manage conflicts between children aged 3 to 5 years in early childhood settings. Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
Effective Transition to School: Integrating Philosophy, Pedagogy and Curriculum
Research on how primary school classrooms can support children’s transition from early childhood education to the school setting. Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
Beyond Quality in Early Childhood Education & Care Postmodern Perspectives
Beyond Quality extends the values-based approach, and taking a postmodern perspective, argues that researchers cannot continue to claim the “truth” and the right to define early childhood education and care quality for others.
What We Do
Resources
