40,000 Kindergarten Children Gain from 20 Free

40,000 Kindergarten Children Gain from 20 Free Hour Policy

The families of over 40,000 children that attend kindergarten will benefit from the 20 hours free policy, according to New Zealand Kindergartens Inc.

President Karen Boyes says NZ Kindergartens have whole-heartedly adopted the 20 hours free initiative.

"It provides a great opportunity for us to continue to offer a quality service that is accessible and affordable to all families," she said, "it's a step towards free entitlement to early childhood education that must be celebrated."

Mrs Boyes agrees with Education Minister Steve Maharey that the policy recognised early childhood education as an important element of the education sector.

"This alignment compliments kindergartens as the only early childhood service that employs registered teachers that are state sector employees," she said. "The controversy over the policy has drawn attention to early childhood education, its long term benefits and contribution to life long learning."

Kindergartens expect the 20 hours free to significantly reduce parents' donations and fundraising to cover operating costs. Most kindergartens are not implementing optional charges, but may continue to fund raise for special projects.

For families who opt not to use their free hours at kindergartens the association has worked to keep fees for at reasonable rates. WINZ subsidies are available for many families to assist with the payment of these fees.

"New Zealand children have benefited from the unique and special philosophy that Kindergarten offers for over a century." Mrs Boyes said. "We will be monitoring the impact of the new policy and working with the Ministry to identify issues and anomalies so these can be addressed."

ENDS

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