Response to the review of home-based early childhood education

Illustration of a koru

Children and young people are learning and developing

Status:
Embedded
Lead agency:
Ministry of Education
Action timeframe:
From 2018

The focus of this action is a gradual shift towards requiring home-based educators to hold at least a level 4 ECE qualification, to improve the quality of educator-child interactions in home-based early childhood education. Evidence suggests that an ECE qualification supports educators to provide children with stimulating, warm and supportive early learning experiences.  Research shows that high-quality ECE can improve children’s learning and developmental outcomes, particularly for those in socio-economic disadvantage. 

In response to the review, advice was provided to the Minister of Education on a transition profile and transition costs for next steps. Home-based ECE services on the quality funding rate will receive a 3.8% rate increase from 1 January 2021.

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