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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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Membership Services and Support for:
Teacher Member Posts
ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Children with ADHD in ECE. ADHD is a biological disorder which is most often seen in school age children but can also be present in…
Can a Male Teacher Be Fired For Not Being ‘Man’ Enough?
An employer asked whether they could dismiss a male teacher simply because he didn’t match their assumptions about what “men” should do in ECE. This…
Face painting
Face painting - Kōrero mai Throughout history and across many different societies, facepainting has been used for various purposes including camouflage, fashion, religious ceremonies and rituals…
Teaching Overseas or Coming to NZ? Don’t be Disadvantaged
Returning to Teaching in NZ or Going Overseas to Teach. This article covers key things to be aware of, plan for, do, and get evidence of, to…
Service Provider Member Posts
Job Description for a Centre Manager or Home-based Coordinator
Here is a template you can use and adapt for a manager job description - or centre supervisor, or home-based coordinator who is responsible for…
Noise Control and Reduction Methods
How to Reduce Noise Levels in an Early Childhood Environment. Ways to assist adults and children reduce noise levels Practical, low cost, solutions to making…
Performance Appraisals for Early Childhood Staff and Managers
The Teaching Council no longer requires teachers to participate in an appraisal process - this requirement was replaced with a Professional Growth Cycle requirement. However,…
How to write a policy
How to write a policy on anything or topic for your early childhood service. What needs to be included in a written policy. Answers to…
Research Library – Today’s Featured Articles
Building a Shared Language of Coping: Dynamics of Communication between Parents and Preschool Children
This paper extends the current literature on social emotional development in the early years by providing an understanding of how young children comprehend and talk…
Can Risky Play Be Safe? Educator Perspectives on Supporting Outdoor Risky Play in ECE
Full Reference: Jahan, N. & Banu, M.S. (2026). Can risky play be safe? Educator perspectives on supporting outdoor risky play in early childhood education. NZ International…
Researching with Men: Ideas and Strategies for Doing Better
Research with Men. By David Mitchell and Philip Chapman. Published in the NZ Research in Early Childhood Education journal, Vol. 4, 2001, pp. 165-175 Abstract…
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…
What We Do
The Office of ECE drives high-quality care, learning and teaching for all infants and young children and high-quality working environments for teachers and service providers.
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