Establishing an Early Childhood Education service
About the Seven Steps
The information in this section is presented as 'Seven Steps', which take you through the process of establishing a quality early childhood centre.
Please note that the Seven Steps are a guide only. The steps were developed to meet the current regulatory framework and reference the existing regulations. The steps will be reviewed when the new regulatory framework is approved. If you are currently in the process of developing a new early childhood education service the proposed licensing criteria can also be found on this site if you wish to refer to them.
Using the Seven Steps
The information is presented as steps because you need to follow the process in a particular order. This is because decisions you make early on will impact on later decisions - for example, the kind of service you set up (Step 1) may affect the design of your building (Step 2).
We suggest that you read through all the steps at the start, to help you decide what skills and knowledge your management will need.
The Seven Steps include suggestions, as well as information that is legally required.
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If the information is a suggestion, it is not compulsory.
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If it is a legal requirement, it is compulsory.
You're welcome to use and/or download any information provided in the Seven Steps (but where links take you to external sites, you should check the copyright statements of those sites before making further use of that information
Contents
Step 1 - Decide what type of service (consider community need, quality and finance)
Step 2 - Design and build
Step 3 - Prepare for staff employment
Step 4 - Prepare policies, procedures and charter
Step 5 - Get furniture, fittings and equipment
Step 6 - Health report, fire, civil defence and code compliance
Step 7 - Apply for a probationary licence and charter agreement
Additional information
Frequently asked questions
Legislation
Resources
Contacts (New Zealand early childhood and parenting organisations)
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