Finding the right place for your child
When looking for a suitable ECE provider for your child, talk to other parents and children. Visit the centres you are interested in, observe the children at play and ask the staff questions.
There are some providers offering free play, others offering programmes based on particular philosophies, such as Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, and Kohanga Reo which offers bi-lingual learning.
Although ECEs may vary in size, location and philosophy, they are all required to meet Ministry of Education standards.
Search the Team Up website to find local ECE services. To find out more about a centre and its service quality, visit the Education Review Office site and search by provider name.
Costs and availability
Some ECEs offer casual sessions by the hour, others provide regular full-time care. Some are privately owned, others are owned by the state or community organisations. Some charge for their services, others offer subsidised care for families who qualify, and some are free. You will need to ask each centre about their costs and service availability.
