This survey provides an important baseline picture of all early childhood services, with the exception of kōhanga reo, at the beginning of a period of considerable change in the sector. NZCER will build on the baseline with a second survey, due to begin later this year.
The survey was a stratified random sample of 531 early childhood services, including kindergartens, playcentres, home-based services and education and care centres. Researchers questioned teachers, managers and parents on issues such as opening hours, ratios, employment conditions, funding, assessment and curriculum.
The researchers draw together what respondents see as the major concerns, priorities and areas in need of change in the sector. They also comment on issues that pose challenges for policy makers and practitioners.