The legislation, regulatory standards and criteria are set out in the:

• Education and Training Act 2020
• Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
• Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Services 2008.

The Education and Training Act 2020#

The Education and Training Act 2020 applies to all early childhood services in New Zealand.

Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

Regulations#

Early childhood education services regulations are part of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 – New Zealand Legislation

Licensing criteria#

The guidance provided with each criterion is a starting point to show how services can meet the requirements.

Licensing criteria for centre-based ECE services

Funding#

A licensed early childhood education and care centre is eligible to receive government funding. It must comply with the Ministry of Education funding rules to receive it.

Funding and financials

Education Review Office#

The quality of the education and care provided by the service is also reviewed regularly by the Education Review Office.

Education Review Office

Ministry of Education#

Service providers can talk to their regional Ministry of Education office to request the licensing assessment tool for centre-based ECE services or find out more about early childhood regulations and criteria.

Regional offices