 With so many different ECE services available, it may be hard to choose the best one for you and your child.
Children do best where they can:
• form bonds with people who care
• be around people who have plenty of time to spend with them
• enjoy having fun
• be given clear guidelines for behaviour that can be backed up with reasons.
A safe and secure environment with access to a variety of activities is also important.
Things to think about
When you are choosing an early childhood service for your child it might help to think about what will work best for you and your child and what’s important to you both.
You could consider:
• how long you want your child to attend
• the kind of service you want
• the fees you can afford
• the location of the service
• you and your child’s needs.
When choosing an ECE service, do some research, think about what you need. Do you want a service that offers:
• early childhood education in a home setting or at a centre?
• the option of attending the service with your child?
• your child attending without you?
• a location close to home or work?
• opening times that suit you?
• lots of structure or lots of free play?
The different services
Early childhood education services can be divided into two main types:
• Teacher-led: where teachers provide the education and care for children
• Parent-led: .where parents, family/whānau and/or caregivers provide the education and care for their children.
Within these two types, there is a wide variation of services. Some services:
• include children from birth to school age and others have a specific age range
• have a special character or focus
• are run by community groups and others are run by private providers
• are open all day, part days or a combination
• are in a home setting.
Every licensed early childhood education service is reviewed regularly by the Education Review Office (ERO) When choosing an ECE service for your child, it might help to read their latest ERO report. This gives you an independent view of the quality of the centre and its strengths and weaknesses.
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