Working Smarter, Not Harder for Best Practice

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Early childhood teachers meeting to discuss planning.

The group is in the midst of the strange ritual known as ‘The Staff Meeting’. In this gathering, the leader communicates to the group, the tasks to be achieved, assigns duties and informs them of new requirements, rules and expectations.

An important part of the ritual is the response from the group, to the leader’s communications. Sometimes this is given at the time, whilst other groups wait until the leader has gone to utter the loud and anguished cry, “Aaaaaaargh!#$%! Not another thing to do!” Following this, they get on and do as requested.

Working in ECE we are very familiar with change and new expectations. We’re a very adaptive species. However, we have a tendency to just add on the new task, rather than look to see how it can be incorporated with existing tasks – or even replace some of them.

This paper is about working more effectively, rather than behaving like pack-horses and adding more burdens as they plod onwards, up the hill.

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