http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.ecc.org.nz en-us Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:47:28 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/163225/why-eces-need-to-take-cyber-risks-seriously/ Digital tools now play a crucial role in the day to day running of early childhood centres. Enrolment systems, payroll, attendance tracking, parent communication apps, and stored records all rely on technology to keep things moving. But as this reliance grows, so does the exposure to cyber risk. Cybercriminals don’t target only large organisations, they look for vulnerabilities, and any ECE centre with internet connected devices can be affected. A c... Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:49:59 +1200 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post163225 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/163213/learning-through-visual-art-sketching-chicks/ Take a blank sheet of paper and try drawing something. For many adults, it’s unexpectedly nerve-wracking. What do you draw? Where do you start? Overthinking quickly takes over. A blank page offers the opportunity of decision making; it is possibility waiting for direction. Visual arts give children a safe place to practice that cho... Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:05:49 +1200 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post163213 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/161170/5-percent-to-secure-our-childrens-future/ Simon Laube, ECC CEO, says Government funding for the sector has not been keeping up with inflation. Since 2019, this has equated to a drop in funding by more than 11 percent in real terms. Growing centre budget shortfalls are putting the futures of our youngest tamariki severely at risk. “Quality early childhood education is one of the best things we can give our young people. It sets them up for success – not just as they embark on their education journeys, but for the rest of their l... Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post161170 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/160786/supporting-blind-low-vision-children-in-ece/ In New Zealand there are many blind low vision children who experience difficulty transitioning into and out of ECEs. There is also lack of training or professional development for teachers in relation to managing such children. This leads to a poor start to their education and often flows through to primary school and beyond.... Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post160786 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/161171/compliance-is-not-the-enemy-confusion-is/ Early childhood education has a long memory. Leaders remember the fear years, the uncertain years, the “are we doing this right?” years. And here’s the uncomfortable truth: most of what the sector calls “compliance pressure” has never actually been about compliance – it has been about confusion.As new regulatory changes take effect from April 20, 2026, many services are feeling a familiar tension. Not resistance, not rejection, something else – recognition. We have been here before... Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post161171 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/158570/noticing-children-who-may-need-extra-support-in-ece-without-labels-or-guesswork/ In early learning settings, difference is normal. Some children may benefit from extra support for attention, communication, sensory needs, or behaviour. Often the hardest part is knowing what to notice, how to start a respectful kōrero with whānau, and how to record observations in ways that protect privacy and reduce bias. This article provides light, repeatable ideas for ECE practice that sit comfortably within Te Whāriki, support ERO’s improvement focus, and puts whānau partnership at ... Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post158570 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/156595/dance-more-than-just-music-and-movement/ Often in early learning settings dance comes as an add-on to music, as suggested by the phrase ‘Music and Movement’, but there is more to dance than this. This article considers the benefits of dance, the teacher’s role and links to Te Whāriki with the aim to widen teachers’ perceptions of dance and its place in early childhood education.... Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:30:00 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post156595 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/156602/the-hidden-cost-of-outdated-fee-schedules/ In today’s economic climate, every dollar counts for families and services alike. With rent, insurance, and wage costs rising faster than government contributions, private revenue from fees has never been more essential. Yet many centres still rely on outdated fee structures that no longer reflect the true cost of delivering quality education and care. The result? Hidden financial pressures, reduced sustainability, and missed opportunities to build trust with families.If your service has no fe... Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:19:11 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post156602 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/155509/celebrating-20-years-of-support-for-new-zealands-early-childhood-sector/ In 2005, after owning and operating Strawberry Fields childcare centres in Auckland, I founded New Zealand Childcare Finance - a specialist finance company to help early childhood operators access the working capital they need to grow and thrive.Back then, and still now to an extent, traditional banks didn't fully grasp the unique cash flow cycles of the early childhood sector - the peaks and troughs of Ministry funding, the fluctuations in enrolments, and the personal dedication of those who ch... Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post155509 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/post/155005/te-kete-rangimarie-our-story/ Rangimārie: 1. (noun) a state of peacefulness, harmony and acceptance.Te Kete: 1. (noun) the basket or kit.Tōtara Kids Early Learning Centre is the realisation of Elise’s lifelong dream to own an Early Childhood Centre; a vision she’s held since  just 15 years old. That dream came to life in 2024 when Elise, alongside husband James and then four-year-old son Fletcher, opened Tōtara Kids in Stoke, Nelson.Tōtara Kids is the result of over a decade of planning and learning. Each elemen... Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:50:56 +1300 http://www.ecc.org.nz/blog/#post155005