Choking emergencies can happen in seconds, and knowing the right steps matters. This practical guide gives you the essential, confidence‑building knowledge to respond quickly and safely in any ECE setting.
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The OECE promotes safe working environments for teachers. We also promote the absolute need for full pay parity with school teachers for all certificated teaching staff working in teacher-led centres and in home-based, and whether permanently or casually employed.
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Person Responsible Consultation. October 8, 2019. On the request of the Early Childhood Council business lobby group, NZ Kindergartens, Montessori Assn, Te Rito Maioha and
I am writing to you to express concern about claims made to you by others in the ECE sector purporting that the introduction of the pay parity scheme has led to an increase in ECE centre closures – and to request that you take action to prevent the further spread of this false narrative.
A recent Ministry briefing to your office (METIS No: 1341617. Report: Options to reduce ECE service staffing costs) referenced these claims, made by the Early Childhood Council.
You are warmly invited to submit a paper to the NZIRECE Journal for consideration for publication. The NZIRECE Journal is a peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes research results, critiques, methodological papers and theoretical articles relating to children’s education, well-being and care in the early years (from birth and up to six or seven years of age).
How ECE services can celebrate every child’s birthdays in ways that honour them and the occasion while still supporting healthy eating and allergy safety. This article offers practical, child‑centred options that keep celebrations fun, inclusive and meaningful for everyone.
Learn your paid sick leave rights – and what every person who works in early childhood settings needs to know to protect themselves, their income, and the children they care for.
People working in early childhood education get sick more often than those in many other professions. Close contact with young children, shared resources, and constant exposure to new bugs means illness spreads quickly. That’s why understanding your sick leave entitlements isn’t optional – it’s essential for your wellbeing and your job security.
If you’re applying for a role in an ECE centre, home‑based service, kindergarten, playcentre, or hospital‑based setting, one of the most important questions you can ask is:
“What sick leave do you provide?”
This article explains exactly what you’re entitled to, how sick leave works in real ECE settings, and what to do if you feel pressured to work while unwell.
Log in with your member details to read the full guidance. If your membership has lapsed or you’d like to join, get in touch and we’ll help you get set up quickly.
Why Staying Home When You’re Sick Matters
When you’re unwell, it can be tempting to “push through” and go to work. But in ECE, that can cause more harm than good.
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.
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