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Welcome to the Office of Early Childhood Education
The OECE is a national organisation for the ECE sector and public adviser, championing high-quality education and care for every child
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- 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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Teacher Member Posts
Natural Disasters, Evacuation and Separation Effects on Children
When there is a major earthquake or a devastating natural disaster, the effects on children may continue into adolescence, adulthood and old age.
Research on children experiencing natural disasters and parental separation provides helpful information and guidance on what might help to minimise the chances of long-term negative effects an
Starting School – What Helps According to Parents
Parents On Children Starting School.
Starting school is a major milestone in any child’s life but it can be stressful, and the success or otherwise of the transition period between childcare or preschool can set the tone for a child’s academic career.
However while the focus is often on getting the child ready to start school, it can al
Asperger’s Syndrome
Children with Asperger’s in ECE.
Here is an overview of what every parent, educator and child carer needs to know about Asperger’s Syndrome. It answers common questions such as:
What is Asperger’s Syndrome?How do I know if a child has Asperger’s?What are the earliest signs in infancy, toddlerhood and the preschool years? W
Seven Tips to Ease Back into Work After the Holidays
Going Back to Work.
Here are 7 of the best tips for easing back to work after a holiday or other break away – smoothing the transition for children and others around you.
Tip 1: Don’t worry, be happy
Children need to see their teachers and carers relaxed, positive and cheerful at the start of a new day and especially at the star
Service Provider Member Posts
Cashflow Management
Cashflow Management.
How do we cope with huge cash inflows from the MoE three times a year then famine in between?
The simplest way is to put into a separate bank account all the advances received each four months and then transfer it into the normal bank account monthly. You will also need some capital of your own in the bank to cover the c
Privacy Policy
Updated April 2026 with the latest guidance from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the ECE regulator.
Privacy requirements have tightened, and every early childhood service must now ensure its policies fully meet the Privacy Act 2020. Out‑of‑date or incomplete policies can put your service at risk – and undermine the trust families place in you.
To help you stay compliant, this page includes a ready‑to‑use sample policy template you can adapt for your service, along with practical guidance on what must be included under the latest 2026 expectations.
Log in with your member details to access the full content. If your service’s membership has lapsed or you’d like to join, get in touch and we’ll help you get set up quickly.
Early childhood services must meet the requirements of the Privacy Act 2020. Understanding and implementing the Act’s requirements allow services to protect and respect the privacy of children, their family whānau, and staff.
A Small Privately-Owned Centre Set-Up
Small Privately-Owned Centre. By Marian Ayres Hill.
Setting up, managing and teaching in a small private preschool has many challenges, however it is very rewarding when you see the enormous benefits that a small owner-operated centre brings to children.
This is my story.
I trained as a kindergarten teacher in the 70s and spent 2
Job Descriptions for Relievers
How to write a Job Description for a Reliever Position.
Many services like to use relieving staff they know, rather than going through an agency.
Below is a template for a job description that you can adapt to suit and use. If you would like more guidance and ideas go to the main article about writing JDs.
Service name or Logo
J
Research Library – Today’s Featured Articles
Early Childhood Educators’ and Parents’ Perspectives of Literacy for Children Under Three
Research on literacy practices for infants and toddlers (children under 3 years) in early childhood education and parent and educator understandings. Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
How to do Action-Based Research or an Inquiry, and Writing Your Report
What is Action Research?
Action research is defined in the glossary as:
A hands-on approach to research for change in a setting and/or to one’s own practices, thinking and knowledge. Action research can be a collaborative endeavour or carried out by an individual.
When action research is being undertaken to bring about change in a se
Female Social Justice Leaders in the Early Childhood Profession
Female social justice leaders in the early childhood profession and the leadership of Sonja Davies. Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
Preparing Students for the ‘Emotion Work’ of Early Years Practice
Looking at the inter-personal and emotional demands placed on ECE practitioners. How well equipped are student teachers for their future role? Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
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