Choosing an early childhood education provider

Things to consider when choosing an early childhood education provider

• Proximity to home/work - is it conveniently located?
• Cost - does it fit your budget? Do you qualify for a WINZ subsidy, and if so, is the centre recognized by WINZ?
• Curriculum - does it offer what you believe your child needs? Ask to see their planned curriculum, and some examples of work done by children at the centre. Check out their ERO (Education Review Office) report from the Ministry of Education.
• Environment - does it have a nice feel? Does your child feel comfortable there? Take him/her for a visit and see how he/she reacts to the teachers, other children, and facilities.
• Hours - Do their session/opening times fit into your lifestyle? What about school holidays - are they open or closed?
• Ages of the other children - are there lots of children around your child's age? This will help him/her to make friends.
• Local schools - which schools do the children at the centre feed into? Is this the same as the school you intend to send your child too? It helps with the transition to school if children have friends at the same school.