Kindergarten Long Lunch

   4 March 2012

   Celebrating children, kindergarten and communities…  
   Find out more here.

FOCUS ON CHILDREN

Our youngest citizens are currently centre-stage of policy discussions. There has been an unprecedented focus on policy to support the aims and aspirations of young children and their families. The report An Agenda for Amazing Children presents the case for increased investment in early childhood education (ECE) and proposes a number changes including a new funding system. NZ Kindergartens responded to the report.  Read NZK's submission here.

The discussion paper Every Child Thrives, Belongs, Achieves  focuses on vulnerable children and proposes changes to current systems supporting families – submissions are due in February 2012. The Office of the Children’s Commission released a report on the non-parental education and care of children under two years of age. Through their lens  examines current policy and practice and recommends improvements to policy and practice. The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman advocates quality ECE supports success in adolescence - Improving the Transition report.

These and other reports, and the responses to them, will inform future policy for young children and their families. We all need to be involved in shaping that future.

GREATSTART 100%

NZ Kindergartens want to make sure the benefits of quality ECE are well known and services  are well supported in future. We have set up the GreatStart100%  website to spread the word - to celebrate kindergarten and the outcomes for children of participating in ECE.

Our Vision

• Every child has the right to participate in high quality early childhood education
• Kindergartens are centres of excellence and innovation
• Our goals can best be achieved through collaborative relationships at all levels
• Kindergarten is responsive to the cultural and language aspirations of families

NZK kindergartens are 100%

• about children, families and whanau
• committed to quality early childhood education
• qualified and registered workforce
• community based
• not-for-profit
• home grown
• kiwi owned

Term dates 2012

Kindergartens will start late January, please check the exact dates with your local association