The research that comes across ChildForum's desk continues to show that participation in formally organised early childhood education helps to predict school success for children only to the extent that it contributes to the learning environment at home being better through parents knowing more about their child’s needs and seeing they have an essential role to play in their child’s learning.  

As children are spending longer hours in ECE and from a younger age than ever before, there is a need for debate about the use of early childhood education as childcare.  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.   

Engagement with parents, families and communities is identified by the OCED as a key policy lever for the improvement of the quality of early childhood education.   

The articles provided here present a broad range of perspectives on various policy issues concerning childcare use, parenting, and why and how ECE services and educators can be encouraged to engage with parents, families, and others in communities.  

Click on the Comments page below to add your thoughts and ideas after reading any or all of the articles and information presented here.