Choosing an early childhood education service.

Choosing an early childhood education service.

The early years of a child?s learning make a significant difference to the way they develop and go on to learn throughout their lives.  Getting it right at this vital stage will help to build the lifelong foundation of success for our children.

Research shows that quality early childhood education has positive and lasting benefits for young children.  Strong foundations for learning are established and children are encouraged to develop to their full potential.

With so many licensed and chartered early childhood education services to choose from, how do you decide which one is best for you and your child?  You need to think about what?s important to you and what will work best for you both.

Things to consider

• Do you want your child?s early childhood education in a home setting or at an education and care centre?
• Do you want to attend the service with your child such as at a Playcentre or Kohanga Reo?
• Do you need a service that your child will attend without you, such as an education and care service, kindergarten or home-based early childhood education service?
• Do you need a service that is close to home or close to work?
• Is the service open for the times that you need?
• Can you afford the service?
• Is your child the right age for the service?
• What involvement is expected of you?
• Does your child need lots of structure or a little?
• Is there a waiting list?