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Free Daycare At Inspired Minds Early Learning Centre


New Zealand is a wonderful place to live as a parent, thanks to the free daycare system - otherwise known as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) system - which is immensely helpful for parents of all backgrounds. The ECE government initiative ensures that childcare is provided free of charge to families that have children between the ages of three and five. Each child may attend a qualifying daycare centre for up to six hours a day, five days a week, for a total of 20 hours per week.
How Does The ECE System Work?
The ECE system is fully funded by the government and is open to all who have children within the qualifying age group. To enrol, parents will need to provide proof of their child's age. A birth certificate will suffice. Thereafter, it’s as simple as registering the child with a participating early learning centre. These institutions will be on a list of registered daycare providers put out by the Ministry of Education. Once a child has been registered with an appropriate early learning facility, the child can then attend daycare for free, subject to the limitations imposed by the law.

Why Was The ECE System Introduced?

The New Zealand government implemented the ECE free daycare system to improve the level of access that New Zealand residents have to early childhood education. It was also done in an attempt to address concerns that had historically been raised regarding inequality in terms of access to quality education. 
It became apparent that many New Zealand families could not afford to pay for professional childcare, which resulted in a lack of quality early education for many. 
Aside from creating equal access, the ECE system was also a way to ensure that the quality of early childhood education in New Zealand was improved by setting minimum standards for daycare providers.
What Makes A Daycare Qualify:
In order to participate in the ECE system, early childhood learning centres need to meet a set of requirements laid out by the Ministry of Education. Inspired Minds Early Learning Centre meets all of the following requirements and is therefore a participating ECE partner: 
  • The daycare provider must be registered with the Ministry of Education
  • The institution must be in possession of a valid licence to operate
  • The daycare must have qualified staff members, each of whom must be formally qualified in early childhood education
  • The facility must be a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and play. This  means having appropriate indoor and outdoor spaces filled with the necessary equipment.
  • A quality curriculum must be provided that meets the requirements of the Ministry of Education.
To register your child for free daycare at Inspired Minds Early Learning Centre, reach out to us today!
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