December 2025 – Service Provider Member Newsletter

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NZ early childhood service managers

This year has been one of the toughest I’ve seen in my more than 40 years in the early childhood sector. Between ongoing policy consultations and sector changes, rising operating costs, and the added strain of the cost of living on families, you’ve had a great deal to manage — and you’ve done it with commitment and care. Your resilience, creativity and steady leadership are vital to your service’s success and the support you provide to families.

If there’s any way we can support you over the summer or as we move into 2026, please reach out — we’re here to help.

Below are practical reminders and resources to help you finish the year well and plan confidently for 2026.

What’s been happening

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Already a Service Provider Member?

Not a member?  Service owners, managers, and community organisations may apply to join as a service provider.  

Five Reasons to Join Us
1. Marketing

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

2. Professional

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

3. Management

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).

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.

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.

5. Value for Money

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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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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