Parenting and the concept of using ECE or not is the focus of the articles in this section. 

Over recent years, the NZ government has had a big policy focus on increasing participation in early childhood education (both the number of children and the hours spent in ECE). More and more public investment has gone into spending on ECE and children are spending more hours in ECE than ever before while the numbers of babies in ECE has increased most dramatically.

There hasn't yet been a public debate about early childhood education taking on more of the parenting role.  This was a point made by Hon. Paula Bennett when first taking on the job of Social Development Minister.  She called for a debate on solo mothers feeling pressured to return to work too early.  Click here to listen to the Radio NZ interview.   

The  Children's Commissioner report advocated for more flexibility in ECE and a need to work closely with parents to support them and their children. 

What do you think?  Your contributions are invited - click on the Comments page below to add your thoughts and ideas and see what others say.