Speaking Up in ECE: How to Raise Issues in Your Workplace or Community, Influence Change, and Advocate

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Adults talking about early childhood education and childcare.

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.

This is a member/subscriber only post. To access it, please see the message below for details on access and joining.
Already a Teacher Member?

Are you teaching and caring for children or studying for an ECE qualification?

If you are, that’s great!   Join us now, and become a teacher member.

Five Reasons to Join Us
1. Professional recognition

It is prestigious to belong to the OECE – you can skite about it! 

Ask us for an OECE Member Certificate, to include in your professional portfolio as proof you are engaged in reading and professional learning that advances your understanding of the relationship between practice and outcomes for children.

2. Extra benefits

No need to pay a subscription fee for access to NZ’s specialist ECE Newsroom – your member login will let you view everything in the ECE Newsroom. 

No need to pay to access the best NZ and international research – your member login gives you free access to the Research Library and support. 

3. Professional growth and no-judgement help

Teaching resources and advice on probably everything you can think of, including what to wear as a teacher, how to ask for a pay raise, identifying child behaviour causes and responding to needs, new play activity ideas, etc., etc.  all of this is at your finger-tips 24/7 whenever you need help or advice – login to view. 

4. Representation

Did you know that the OECE meets personally and regularly with the Ministry of Education national team, and the regulations committee and other forums? 

Political leaders and journalists are able to use the OECE to gain deeper knowledge on a topic or issue, and we provide a sounding board for ideas and feedback.

The OECE promotes safe working environments for teachers.  We also promote the absolute need for full pay parity with school teachers for all certificated teaching staff working in teacher-led centres and in home-based, and whether permanently or casually employed. 

5. Value for Money

We are committed to keeping membership prices affordable and providing value for money. 

Teacher membership is just $89 for a full year, or save by joining for 2 years.

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Information provided is of a general nature. It is provided ‘as is’, and we accept no liability for its accuracy or completeness. See our Terms and Conditions.

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