September 23, 2014
Early childhood concerns
Early childhood network ChildForum is concerned the sector could come up short as a result of the election.
Chief executive Sarah Farquhar says ECE was not high on the priority list during the election campaign, and all National promised was an extra $156 million to help early childhood education services remain affordable and to meet demand pressures.
She says most of that will be eaten up by inflation in non-salary costs.
Some will also go on increasing participation by targeting areas with generally low participation such as low decile areas and Maori and Pacific Island communities.
Dr Farquhar says there will be little left for most early childhood services to improve quality or keep fee rates low for parents
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com