A Whangarei early childhood centre boss can see the good and the bad of the Government's 20-hours-free early childhood education scheme.
Lisa Edwards, manager and teacher at Kensington Childcare Centre, says her centre will offer the scheme because it's good for parents - but the paperwork is a "nightmare".
The scheme will be offered to all three- and four-year-olds at participating centres from July 1.
"We're happy to be able to offer parents the choice because we don't want to disadvantage families that are eligible ... The difficulty is making sure parents have all the information they need, and sign up with us for the right reasons.
Mrs Edwards said the initiative was initially offered by the Government so that more children had access to early childhood education but the way the Government had rolled out the scheme could spark competition between centres.
"In a small place like Whangarei we all know each other, and we're all supportive of each other. There is a fear that it could turn into a competition."
Kensington would be asking parents for an optional fee for things like sunscreen and food, Mrs Edwards said. However she stressed the charge, like the scheme itself, was optional.
"It's all about parents' choice."
Meanwhile, Northland kindergartens look forward to a future less reliant on sausage sizzles and cake stalls, and have gladly signed up to the 20-hours-free scheme.
At least 20 Northland kindies, from Ruawai and Ruakaka to Kerikeri and Kaikohe, are opting into the scheme.
Northland Kindergarten Association general manager Ann Dickason said the scheme was a great boost for kindergartens.
"From the association's point of view, certainly the extra funds will assist the community," she said.
Like all public education providers, kindergartens currently receive Government funding but have to top up with their own fundraising. Kindergartens differ from early childhood centres in that all staff must be registered teachers.
The association was still learning about the scheme, just as parents were.
"The calls we're fielding are mostly from parents wanting to know how the scheme works," Mrs Dickason said.
"We're feeling our way through it all but I believe it's a very positive move."
However, a March survey conducted by the Early Childhood Council (ECC) shows a lukewarm reception for the scheme in Northland.
Of nine centres that responded, two said they would not be opting into the scheme, three said they would and four were undecided.
Results of a fresh survey will be released next week.Labels: career training, education online, free college, high school, student loans, study abroad |
