child-at-playMission Statement

The symbol of Early Education Federation is a woven mat. This represents the weaving together of diverse groups with their own unique philosophy and structure – united by similar aims – promoting quality early childhood education and supporting families in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Purpose

We are a unified advocate for children’s rights to quality early childhood education.

Vision

Early Education Federation will be:

  • The unified and authoritive advocate on ECE issues
  • Pro-active in influencing strategic directions and positive public perceptions on ECE.
  • A forum for active debate and engagement between key organisations in the ECE sector.

Objectives

The objectives of the Early Education Federation are:

  • To advocate for and promote excellence within early childhood education which is provided and delivered according to the obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi and is reflective of Te Whāriki the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum.
  • To promote equitable access for all families in Aotearoa/New Zealand to quality early childhood education services suitable for, and appropriate to, their needs.
  • To provide a forum for the promotion and support of activities and campaigns that foster the health and wellbeing and are in the best interests of children and their families/whānau.
  • To set priorities from agreed objectives and undertake action in accordance with these priorities.
  • To network and share information that supports and promotes the objects of the Early Education Federation.
  • To identify and provide a platform for debate and discussion on issues of interest and importance to the sector.
  • To act as a medium for co-ordinated approaches to the Government and any other appropriate commission, committee or authority on matters pertaining to the objects of the Early Education Federation.
  • To foster and support the interests of all the Early Education Federation members.
  • To share and/or undertake any topic of research considered by the Early Education Federation to be in support of its objects.
  • To liaise with and/or affiliate to other organisations with similar interests.
  • To do all such other things as may be considered necessary for the attainment of the objects of the Early Education Federation.

 

History

During the 1970’s early childhood organisations recognised the value of establishing an organisation that could promote closer ties, identify common issues and assist organisations to work together to achieve shared goals for the early childhood sector as a whole. Representatives from a small group of early childhood organizations had met from time to time over the years but it wasn’t until 1986 when six national organisations met at a Lopdell House course in Auckland, that firm plans were made to establish a Federation.

This group was made up of representatives from the NZ Childcare Association, the NZ Early Childhood Workers’ Union, the NZ Free Kindergarten Teachers’ Association, the NZ Free Kindergarten Union, the NZ Playcentre Association and the Te Kohanga Reo Trust. They identified the initial aims of the Federation as promoting, enhancing and developing early childhood education through discussion, public awareness, political lobbying and mutual support. A detailed proposal was developed, setting out options for the Federation’s structure and its operation. The proposal was agreed to by each of the individual organisations, and a Constitution was drawn up. Although the group continued to meet regularly, the first Annual General Meeting was not held until 1991. At this meeting, a commitment was made to widen the membership and invitations were sent out to all the major national organisations with an interest in early childhood education. By 1994 membership had grown to 13.

In 2005 the Federation drew up a long term Strategic Plan and later that year as part of a goal to become more influential, renamed itself as the Early Education Federation.

The Federation continues to work toward meeting its strategic plan goals by making submissions to government on issues of common concern, leading campaigns, taking delegations of sector representative to members of parliament and by meeting regularly with government ministers, and government department officials. Membership now stands at 16.

Strategic Plan

To provide a platform to debate issues of current interest and importance to the early childhood education sector.

Code of Conduct

Expectations and Standards of Behaviour

I will:

  • respect the vision and purpose of Early Education Federation and its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
  • respect the views and philosophies of all member organisations
  • be respectful and responsive to others and their opinions
  • communicate openly and honestly
  • be knowledgeable and provide leadership
  • strive to work collaboratively across all positions
  • be responsible for our actions and accountable for the consequences
  • be consistent and supportive in dealings with others
  • handle conflict and difficult situations sensitively
  • maintain privacy and confidentiality
  • focus on solutions rather than the problem
  • always strive to act in the interest of infants, young children and their whānau