New data shows a dramatic decline in regulatory action against
The ECE sector has delivered an unexpected bright spot in
A young child was left alone in a locked early
Who is Who and Does What in Relation to the
A good sandpit design for an ECE service sees it being large enough to accommodate half or more of the children attending. It should provide enough room for each child to stand or sit and dig without touching or getting sand on another child.
In home-based settings, the sandpit design should make sure it is of sufficient size to accommodate
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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Who is Who and Does What in Relation to the ECE Sector & Contacts Teacher Organisations and Associations NZEI – Union for the industrial interests
The minimum adult wage for a worker in NZ is $23.95 an hour (from 1 April 2026). The 2026/27 Living Wage rate is $29.90. Keep reading for information specific to pay rates in the early childhood sector.
Creating and signing a team contract is a great idea – it fosters teamwork by acting to cement agreed behaviours and establishing a platform for effective professional conversations.
Having effective professional conversations supports continuous improvement of practices by allowing teachers to examine beliefs and assumptions and understand how these impact on children, the service, and each other.
Spending time discussing service philosophy, behaviour and kaupapa are important aspects of teaching. This can be linked to the Te Ao Māori concepts of tapu and noa.
July 9, 2020. The Discoveries Educare Lincoln Road Henderson centre is the latest in the Auckland childcare chain to be closed by the Ministry of
The Ethics of Doing, Writing and Disseminating Research.
By Joy Cullen, Helen Hedges and Jane Bone. Republished by the Office of Early Childhood Education First Published in our NZ Research in ECE Journal, Volume 12, pp. 109-118.
This statement is intended to guide academic researchers, teachers, postgraduate students, managers, licensees
This article shares fabulous ideas to help teachers bring the spirit of the day into their early childhood education service, sparking curiosity and delight while celebrating together.
St Patrick’s Day, celebrated each year on 17 March, is a joyful occasion that began with Irish traditions but has since spread across the globe—including right here in New Zealand and Australia.
For early childhood educators, it offers a wonderful opportunity to weave cultural celebration into playful learning experiences.
Whether through creative crafts, music, storytelling, or simple themed activities, St Patrick’s Day can be marked in ways that are fun, age‑appropriate, and meaningful for young children.
September 19, 2012. The results of the Ministry of Education’s 2011 Survey of Income, Expenditure and Fees in ECE Services (also known as the Cost-Drivers
Overseas Teachers. January 6, 2020. Updated 24 June 2020. Before NZ’s border closed due to Covid-19, statistics show that the two national recruitment companies contracted
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