20 HOURS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) REALLY IS FREE FOR SESSIONS WHO OFFER 6 HOURS SESSIONS AT COUNTIES MANUKAU KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION CHILDREN WHO ARE 3 OR 4 YEARS OLD: If your child is 3 or 4 years and you opt into the government funded "20 hours ECE" scheme then your child's first 20 hours of attendance at one of our kindergartens is free. This funding is provided by the government and is available for everyone, regardless of your family income. When your child starts kindergarten you can complete an Attestation Form at the kindergarten to claim your 20 Hours Free. Your local kindergarten will claim this funding for you when your child starts at kindergarten. CHILDREN WHO ARE 2 YEARS OLD: CMKA is committed to increasing participation in quality Early Childhood Education services by making sure our kindergartens are affordable for everyone. If your child is 2 and they attend one of our kindergartens, we also offer some free sessions. Conditions Apply! Limited Vacancies! Once your child turns 3, you will need to opt into the government funded 20 Hours ECE scheme to continue to receive up to 20 hours free attendance. HOW DOES THE 20 HOURS ECE FUNDING WORK FOR YOU? You do not need to use all of your “20 Hours ECE” that you access under the government funded scheme (only available for 3 and 4 year old children), at one early childhood centre You may choose to only use some of your “20 Hours ECE” You will be asked to sign an attestation form to say how you want to use your “20 Hours ECE”. If all of your child’s hours of attendance at kindergarten are covered by your “20 Hours ECE”, then their attendance will be at no cost. If some of your child’s hours of attendance at kindergarten are not covered by your “20 Hours ECE”, then a fee will be charged for these hours. Please contact your local centre for further information on how you can use your 20 Hours Early Childhood Education.

FAQs - Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association

The Kindergarten Support Group Representative

The Kindergarten Support Group operates under an Association By-Law and membership is open to parents/whanau of children attending or on the waiting list of the kindergarten and people within the kindergarten community who express an interest in supporting the kindergarten.

The activities of the

20 Hours ECE Funding

20 HOURS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) REALLY IS FREE FOR SESSIONS WHO OFFER 6 HOURS SESSIONS AT COUNTIES MANUKAU KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

CHILDREN WHO ARE 3 OR 4 YEARS OLD:

If your child is 3 or 4 years and you opt into the government funded “20

Fees & Funding Explained

All Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) kindergartens and Early Learning Counties Manukau (ELCM) offer 20 hours ECE. Click here to find out more about how you can use your 20 Hours ECE in our kindergartens.

If you do not use your 20 Hours ECE

How much will it cost?

The government provides funding for eligible children to attend an Early Childhood Centre for up to 20 hours free each week, if parents opt into the scheme (special conditions apply). In all centres we offer up to 20 hours free for children aged

What age will my child start?

Our Early Learning Centres take Children from 6 months of age

From 2 years old at Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association

What age should I enrol my child?

To secure your space we encourage enrolments from birth. We can then give you an approximate start date.

How will I be involved with my child’s learning?

Parents and whānau play a key role in what we do. When teachers are able to work in partnership with you, your child is able to make the most of their learning opportunities. We welcome and encourage your involvement and hope you choose to be part

How is my child’s learning encouraged and recorded?

Your child has an individual portfolio or folder, which contains “learning stories”, photographs and examples of their work. Learning stories describe the way in which children learn individually, with and alongside others, suggesting possible ways your child’s learning can be fostered and enhanced. Teachers use learning

What will my child learn?

Through their play, exploration and learning experiences, children:

Develop the dispositions necessary for lifelong learning – courage, curiosity, trust, playfulness, confidence, responsibly and perseverance
Learn about our world and the diverse people who inhabit it, including respect for other cultures, languages and traditions.
Learn communication

How does early childhood education help my child when they start school?

Starting school is a huge step for children and their whānau. The time that children spend in an early childhood centre equips them with many skills as a learner, which leads to a smooth transition to school.

Early childhood education develops:
• Independence
• Self-help skills
• A sense