School in New Zealand Part 1 – Early Childhood Education
Your child education is vital. This could be one of the top reason for you to consider when migrating to New Zealand. Child starts learning from birth and they learn at all time everywhere. This reminds me the moment of my first born. As Malay and Muslim, first both of us greet our pride and joy with “As-Salaam-Alaikum” which means peace be upon you then followed by adhan and millions hugs and kisses. I believe, a good start will lead to a great learning and big impact on how child learn for the rest of their life. So you as parents , you play crucial role to your kids.
It is fortunate that New Zealand
Education system reflect the diverse society which make you feels welcomes to
any differences that you may have either ethnic group (Pakeha, Maori, Asian,
Indian, Chinese, Malay (have you ever
heard about us?), your religion ( Muslim, Sikh, Jew, Christian, or
nothing), abilities (normal and special) and income level. This might sound
cliché, but I really mean it.
What are your options?
Not to worry, there are a few options and services to choose
from. Basically its into 2 categories: - Teachers- Led and
Parents-Lead
Teacher - Led
Teacher- Lead means teachers are mainly responsible for making decision on the children curricular. 50% of the educator must be qualified and certified as Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers. The service is licensed and has to follow standards set by the Government on property, health and safety, staff, education and care programmes and service management.
1) Education and Care Centre – accepts enrolment
starting from birth up to school age and it offers full or part day of
education and care. Care Centre can be privately owned operated by community
group or organisation.Some education and care centre follow an education philosophy
such as Montessori, Rudolf Steiner. If in Malaysia it is like private pre
school.
2) Kindergarden – manage by local Kindergarden
Association (Government) and most parent enrol their child when
they age more than 2 or 3 until school age.
3) Home based services - have educators
who educate and care for groups of up to four children at a time in either the
educator’s home or the children’s own home. Each educator must belong to a
home-based service, which provides support through a coordinator who is a
qualified and certificated ECE teacher. The coordinator will regularly
visit the property and check child progress
Parent - Led
Are
you a kind of parent that would like to get involves in your child education?
This is may be the option for you.
1) Playcentre – similar education and care
centre under teacher led where it caters children from birth to school age and
its part of regional association manage by NZ Playcentre Federation.
2) Playgroup – is a community based group
handle by parents and volunteer. Normally available at community centre and
usually kids are accompanied by parent.
3) Te Kōhanga Reo – offer Maori culture or
environment for your kids
By now I think I already make you more confuse on the
options to choose. Relax… Just remember to think what is important to you and
your family. Try to explore all the options and take into consideration about
the cost, distance of the ECE to your house, the operation hours (does this suit your lifestyle)
and whether it is easy to commute.
For your information, ECEs receive government funding up to 6 hours a day,
maximum 20 hours per week (t&c applied). So… will never need to pay full.
Price vary depends on the ECE service but I can say range around $200+ (after 20-hour
fee free).
Child Subsidy:
Can’t
afford? As I mention earlier, it is fortunate NZ education welcome any
differences including parent income. Work and Income formerly known as WINZ
manage a subsidiary for parents whose children attended ECE subject to parents
income and t&c applied.
Tips:
1)
Visit the service centre to find what suit you
and your child
3)
Don’t be shy to ask questions to the service
operator
4)
Tell the service centre about your kids’ preference,
allergies, differences
Find your child early learning service here:
Do you want to start a career and become ECE teacheri New Zealand? Not only NZ has shortage in primary and secondary school teacher, There's an urgent need and demand for pre schooler teacher. I would like to take this opportunity to share the shortage that NZ currently have. If you think you have what it takes, and you love children, take a look at website below:
What about primary school child? Subscribe if you want to know more.
Thank you.
Regards,
Mira rtk
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