United Future Policies
Pre School Education
Experiences gained in the early years of a child’s life are the most important for social, cognitive, physical and cultural development. Success in these early years generally equates to success in later years. United Future believes that investment in high quality early childhood education can address some of the socio-economic disadvantages many children face.

United Future believes that parents are a child’s first teacher. Therefore, it is parents rather than governments, who are best placed to choose the most appropriate form of care and education for their children. For some parents this will be in the community and for others it will be the home environment.
   Guarantee all pre-school children over the age of three years, the right to access up to15 hours per week early childhood education.

   Adequately resource the Parents as First Teachers Programme to guarantee all at risk children and their families a place on the programme and progressively expand the programme to include all families.

   Increase tax rebates currently available for child care costs

   Legislate the Te Whaariki early childhood curriculum into early childhood education framework to ensure all childhood education providers offer high quality pre-school education in a culturally sensitive and stimulating environment.

   Increase funding for early identification of children with special needs and disabilities with targeted systematic, intensive and high quality interventions

   Encourage parental involvement in the development of early childhood education policy through consultation, dialogue and partnerships with providers.