Starting an early learning service
Find out about the types of early learning services and how to start a service.
Apply for an early learning service licence or certification
Te wāhi tuku tono mō ngā ratonga kōhungahunga ki te whai raihana, ki te whai tiwhikete rānei
You can apply for a licence for your centre-based or home-based early learning service.
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Introduction to early learning services
Te whakatū i tētahi ratonga kōhungahunga
To start an early learning service, you need to know what type of service you want to open and if you need to apply for a licence.
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Licences to operate in early childhood education and care
Ngā raihana ki te whakaako me te whakamarumaru i te kōhungahunga
Almost everyone who wants to provide an education and care service to 3 or more children under the age of 6 needs a licence.
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Starting a centre-based ECE service
Te whakatū i tētahi ratonga kōhungahunga kei tētahi whare kōhungahunga
Click on the links in the table of contents for information on starting a centre-based licensed early learning service.
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Starting a home-based ECE service
Te whakatū i tētahi ratonga kōhungahunga ki tētahi kāinga
This is a guide for service providers interested in establishing a licensed home-based education and care service.
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Starting a playgroup
Te whakatū rōpū tākaro whai tiwhikete
This guide has been developed to help parents set up a quality playgroup in their community.
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Starting a puna kōhungahunga (Māori language playgroup)
Te whakatū i tētahi puna kōhungahunga e whai tiwhikete ana
This is a guide for whānau who want to set up a puna kōhungahunga.
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Information to assist applicants
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Information to assist home-based applicants
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Useful contact information
Useful sector, and agency contacts and support organisations for ECE service providers of all kinds to help with preparing applications or responding to specific issues.
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