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
“I have nothing against employing men – but why put my centre at risk? Parents don’t want a male tending to their child’s personal needs. This is the type of society we now live in.”
owner of an early childhood service
Dr Alexander Replies
* In a childcare/early childhood education context children are not any safer with wo
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.
Has this been useful? Give us your feedback.
You are welcome to add a link to this page on your website. Copyright belongs to the OECE so please do not copy any content without our written permission.
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.
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
Yet again the government has kicked the can of 80% early childhood education (ECE) teachers being qualified down the road.
It all Comes Out in the Wash! Teaching Style and Thinking About The Kind of Teacher You Are. By Joy Lubawy.
Have we moved forward with the times in educating young children?
Do you remember when your Mother used to boil the copper and stir the clothes in the boiling water with a wooden stick? Gosh the clothing must have been ha
How have guidelines on the prevention of food-relating choking impacted on the food provided to children in early childhood centres in NZ? Login to read the full research paper below. Or you can order a pdf copy of the article go to the main NZIRECE Journal page.
This article provides an easy-to-read discussion about primary caregiving in early childhood centres. It covers some common questions and concerns relating to a primary caregiving system.
The main reason why early childhood services go for this particular organisational model of staffing is they are concerned for
Nearly 800 serious incidents in ECE Services in 2024
NEWS/ANALYSIS.
3 July 2025.
Alleged cases of child abuse or neglect, accidents, fraud and weather events were among 796 serious incidents early childhood education services reported to the Ministry of Education last year.
Health and safety issues were the most common type of incidents in ECE reported to the Ministry of Education
How are relievers in early childhood centres treated? This article is published in the OECE’s speaking-up series. 28 April 2025. The writer has asked to
Help spread this vital ECE information, join our free social and email groups and become a member of OECE.
Sign up to our free newsletters.
