Early childhood education

Early learning

Your baby has an amazing brain, and starts learning right from birth. You are your child’s first and most important teacher and you help their brain grow through play and early learning.

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Early learning in New Zealand – information for migrants

Your child’s learning starts the day they are born. They will learn at home, with whānau (family), in your community, and at their early learning service.

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About early learning services

Early learning services provide education and care for children before they are old enough to go to primary school. This section looks at:

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Benefits of early learning services

Early learning helps children to be confident and curious about the world. It also helps them do better when they go to school or kura.

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Different kinds of early learning services

There are all sorts of early learning services and kōhanga reo available in New Zealand.

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Fees

The government subsidises early childhood education (ECE) and kōhanga reo for every child up to the age of 5 living in New Zealand.

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20 Hours ECE

Find out about 20 Hours ECE – it can help you with the cost of early childhood education.

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