Pre-schools in New Zealand
Young children in New Zealand are not required to attend any type of formal early childhood service, however the majority of children will have attended some form of early education service by the time they start school.
There are many types of early childhood services available in New Zealand and these can be split into two areas – parent-led and teacher-led.
Parent-led Services
Playcentres – Most playcentres will be led by parents and caregivers. Most of these centres are licenced and offer education through play for children from birth until they go to school. Each playcentre will have its own rules as to how many sessions your child can attend.
Playgroups – Playgroups are community-based groups. Parents and caregivers meet together and provide play programmes for their children. At least half the children attending must have a parent staying with them and each session can last for a maximum of three hours each day.
The Correspondence School – The Correspondence School offers learning programmes for children aged three-to five-years who live too far away from early childhood education services. Correspondence school is also an option for children who can't attend other services because they're ill or have a physical disability. www.correspondence.school.nz
There are also centres that offer young children and parents alike a chance to build up their understanding and knowledge of the Maori language and culture. Te Köhanga Reo www.kohanga.ac.nz and Ngä Puna Köhungahunga are two examples of groups that offer this type of education and care.
Many of these services do have waiting lists and it would be advisable, on arrival in New Zealand, to visit a variety of different early childhood services and put your child's name down. The majority of services will be more than happy to arrange a time for you to look round and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Teacher-led services
Education and care centres – Kindergartens are run by the Kindergarten Association. At kindergartens the teachers must all be registered and hold a diploma in teaching or similar qualification. ABC Learning Centre www.abclearningcentres.co.nz is the largest company, with many centres nationwide.
Home-based care groups – These groups consist of young children being educated though a home-based care network, which provides full or part time care and education led by a teacher. The volunteering parent/caregiver will usually have the support from the home-based care network.
From 1 July 2007, 3 and 4-year-old children who attend teacher-led early childhood education services and some Köhanga Reo will be eligible for up to 20 hours free education each week. For more information visit www.minedu.govt.nz and for a list of education centres in your area see www.yellow.co.nz. To obtain a detailed booklet on the early education system in New Zealand visit www.ecd.govt.nz.