Overview on teacher-led vs parent or Whānau-led child care

There are many early childhood education services and kōhanga reo available to families, and how they’re run depends on whether they’re teacher-led, parent-led or whānau-led (family-led). 

Here we look at what these distinctions mean in practice and see how quality is assured whether teachers, parents or whānau are leading the learning. 

What is the difference between teacher-led and parent-led or whānau-led care?

Teacher-led services

In teacher-led services, paid staff have the main responsibility for children’s care and education. Each teacher-led early childhood education (ECE) service is licensed by the Ministry of Education and at least 50 per cent of the adults who educate and care for children must be qualified and certificated ECE teachers. 

Saying that, there is scope for parental involvement and parents are encouraged to build relationships with educators and support their child’s learning.

Parent-led or whānau-led services

With parent-led or whānau-led services, mums, dads and extended family are the main educators and child carers. Sometimes there is also a paid teacher, supervisor or kaiako to support parents and these services recognise the importance of parent and whānau training and participation.

“Families and whānau have the opportunity to learn more about parenting, develop social and community networks and build greater confidence, as well as lead the education and care of their children.”

Ministry of Education

Which early childhood education services are led by teachers and which are led by families?

Teacher-led early childhood education services are:

• Kindergartens
• Education and care centres
• Home-based education and care
• Te Kura (The Correspondence School)

Parent-led early childhood education services are:

• Playcentres 
• Playgroups
• Ngā Puna Kōhungahunga playgroups – focused on Māori language and culture 
• Pacific Island playgroups – focused on Pasifika languages and cultures
• Kōhanga reo – a whānau-led early childhood education service 

How is quality assured across all systems of early childhood education and care?

Whether they are teacher-led, parent-led or whānau-led, all ECE services and kōhanga reo must be licensed or certificated to receive funding and support from the Ministry of Education. This means they must meet minimum standards of education and care. 

Licensed ECE services or kōhanga reo must comply with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 and meet licensing criteria, while certificated playgroups are governed by the Education (Playgroups) Regulations 2008 and have certification criteria. 

Licensing and certification criteria for early childhood education and care covers:

• Property
• Health and safety
• Staff
• Education and care programmes
• Management and administration

To monitor their quality, the Education Review Office evaluates the care and education being provided in early childhood services. Reports are then published online so that early learning services and the community can see where any improvements are needed. 

References:

NZ Education
Education Review Office