Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Early education that empowers families
Media Release – 3 November 2009
New Zealand Playcentre Federation
Call
for community based early education that empowers
families A new report, released today, calls for the
coordinated development of public early childhood education
services in every community. Entitled 'Strengthening
Community-based Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa/New
Zealand”, the report is the outcome of a collaboration
between nine organisations involved in the Quality Public
Early Childhood Education Project. The organisations
represent a diverse range of early childhood providers
including Playcentre, kindergartens, childcare services and
home-based care groups, as well as other sector
organisations. The report was written by highly respected
academics, Helen May from the University of Otago, and Linda
Mitchell from Waikato University, and expresses the shared
vision: that every child has a right as a citizen to
participate in free early childhood education; and that
every family that wishes to can access high quality,
community-based early childhood education. “It is vital
that early education services are responsive to the
particular communities they serve,” said Acting Playcentre
Federation President, Maureen Woodhams. “Community
services, which are managed by parent committees, maximise
responsiveness and are able to incorporate family culture
and beliefs in respectful ways.” “In addition
Playcentre has the dual focus of parent education alongside
the children's education programme which empowers parents as
their children's first teachers. As Playcentres are closely
linked to their communities this builds and enriches the
wider community.” Following publication of this report,
Playcentre looks forward to working with the early childhood
sector and the government to develop a comprehensive plan to
ensure that every family is able to access the community
based early childhood service of their choice. The report
is being officially launched at NZEI offices at 5pm on 3
November. ENDS
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