ECE Funding Handbook

Welcome to the ECE Funding Handbook. This handbook is issued under section 548(5) of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Funding of certain services and certified playgroups – New Zealand Legislation(external link)

The funding paid to licensed services is paid subject to the terms and conditions set out under this handbook and must be complied with. The terms used in this handbook are based in the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008.

This handbook is designed to be a 'one-stop-shop' of everything you need to know about early childhood funding, including:

  • the ECE Funding Subsidy
  • 20 Hours ECE funding
  • equity funding
  • the annual top-up for isolated services.

This information does not apply to certificated playgroups

The information in the Funding Handbook does not apply to certificated playgroups.

These services should contact their Ministry regional office for more information.

Local Ministry offices

Download the ECE Funding Handbook

If you would like to print a copy of this handbook, refer to the list of downloads in the contents section where you will find downloadable PDF versions of each chapter.

ECE Funding Handbook downloads

3-C-1 General information for all parent/whānau-led services

R symbol.  P symbol.  Compass.  Books.

  • Introduction

    • This section explains:

      • funding rates for parent/whānau-led services
      • the difference between standard and quality funding rates
      • when and how to apply for a change in funding rate.
  • The Funding Rate Table

    • The Funding Rate Table shows the funding rates for each type of service. A copy of the table is included with this Handbook (Appendix 1).

      The Funding Rate Table will be updated with any change in funding rates.

  • Mixed Provision

    • Services can be licensed to provide both teacher-led and parent-led education and care during any week, but only one kind of provision on each day.

      The funding rules for parent-led days are explained in this chapter. The funding rules for teacher-led days are explained in Section 3-B.

      For more information about mixed provision contact Ministry regional office.

  • Record keeping

    • All parent/whānau-led services must meet the record keeping requirements set out in Section 11-1.

      Parent/whānau-led services that receive quality level funding must meet the record keeping requirements described in Section 3-C-2.

  • More record keeping information

    • Use the following table if you would like further information about record keeping and financial reporting requirements:

      If you would like...See Section
      An overview of the record keeping requirements for all services 11-1
      Information on funding claim audits and record keeping audits 11-2
      Information or instructions for financial reporting 12