Operating at the legal staffing ratios places children at risk
I’m hearing stories of a boom in planning for and
New figures show the early childhood education sector remained largely
20-Hours ECE Changes.
When a service is closed for statutory holidays and is not providing care for children it does not receive funding.
Unfortunately this can mean a loss of income for a service, which is difficult especially when there are still wages and other costs to pay.
However, there is a trick to getting around this.  
Not a member? Service owners, managers, and community organisations may apply to join as a service provider.
It is prestigious to belong to the OECE. Membership is usually by invitation. Online applications can be made if you think your service meets the criteria. To be a member a service must have as its first priority a focus on being high-quality for children and families. It must also agree to follow the standards in the Code of Conduct for ECE Services.
Running a parent survey when you want to do one is simple – we handle it for you and provide you with a confidential copy of the results. We will also cover the cost of the survey.
Promoting your service online to parents is taken care of. The OECE has partnered with the My ECE website and the ECE Parents’ Council Aotearoa to give members free advertising for their service. For details directly contact My ECE
Free subscription access to the ECE Newsroom – your service provider member login will let you view everything in the ECE Newsroom.
Complimentary access to over 25 years of published NZ and international research – your service provider member login gives you free access to the Research Library and support.
Management and ECE employment resources and advice will be at your finger-tips 24/7. We have so much available in the service provider area of our website – ranging from templates for policies, guidance on managing cashflow and debtors, staff drug use, negotiating pay with staff, and through to topics such as best sandpit design.
We will make running a staff survey simple for you. You can use our specially designed survey. We collect the results and will provide you with a confidential report of the findings. (50% discount available to service provider members).
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.
Members have a direct line of communication with Dr Sarah Alexander, to bring to Sarah’s attention and discuss what’s affecting your service and community of children, families, and staff.
We are committed to keeping membership prices affordable and providing value for money.
Membership rates start at just $250 for 12-months. Or join for 2 years for only $350. For providers with multiple licensed services, the rates reduce per service the more licensed services you operate.
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Anyone thinking about getting a job in ECE working in ECE or thinking about moving to a different service will find clear, practical information in this article about pay rates, employment conditions, and what to expect in different roles. It explains everything from starting salaries and pay‑step calculations to workplace rights, benefits, and how to recognise a supportive, professional environment.
Discover the key organisations and sector groups shaping early childhood education in New Zealand – who they are, what they do, and how they influence the services, policies, and people at the heart of the ECE sector.
Getting a job. How can my ECE qualification help me to get a job? With an early childhood teaching qualification you may find yourself attractive
Internal Evaluation and the Education Review Office.
Ongoing reflection and review of practice has always been a priority for ECE teachers to ensure that they are the best teachers they can be and are providing best outcomes for children.
From their initial teacher registration, teachers are taught to reflect on their practice and this is
The latest on Covid-19 updates. Level 3 in all Auckland 25 August 2020: Level 3 has been extended until midnight Sunday 30 August. Children in
Childcare fees increased 6.9% in the 6 months after the FamilyBoost policy took effect, why and what will happen next?
19 February, 2025. The OECE.
Childcare fees rose sharply by 6.9% in the first 6 months after the FamilyBoost policy took effect from 1 July 2024 (The Post). This means that many childcare providers recognised their custom
After the Office of Early Childhood Education revealed that a baby had died in his sleep at an Auckland early childhood education centre – and that details of what had happened had flown under the radar for more than a year – the New Zealand Herald has reported on the case.
This paper reviews policy approaches to increase the participation of children from low socio-economic families in quality early childhood education. Problems are identified with current policy approaches and an equitable way forward is proposed. Read the full paper below. Or to order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
Traumatic incidents at ECEs receiving Ministry Traumatic Incident Team support
NEWS/ANALYSIS. 3 July 2025.
The Ministry of Education responded to 126 traumatic incidents in the last five and a half years.*
It has a Traumatic Incident Team to support ECEs following a traumatic event. The TI teams work alongside ECEs to help them put pro
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