With many families seeking out formal childcare for their children, it may come as a surprise that there are still many centres that struggle with enrolments. If this is you, you are not alone. This article points out the top three reasons why centres struggle to help give you an insight into how you can make some changes.

From family size to government policy, any number of trends can influence the number of children attending early childhood education, the types of services that thrive and the way centres need to function. New Zealand is always changing, and the early childhood sector must change with it. As a centre owner, understanding these key trends will help you stay relevant to your families and future-proof your business.

At the end of World War II, a group of parents from the city Reggio nell’ Emilia in Northern Italy took the initiative to rebuild and re-frame early childhood education in their region. The sale of some horses and military vehicles financed the first building, built from stone and timber sourced by local villagers. The municipality also helped to establish several preschools and nurseries, all of them based on the ideas of exploration, collaboration, creative expression and critical thinking.

The effect of screen time on children has been a topic of interest ever since the first television programs were screened. While most families happily rearranged their dinner habits back in 1941 to be able to make the most of this wonderful new world of information and entertainment, they were warned by educators, doctors and prophets of doom that the health, well-being and morals of humankind may suffer due to this new trend.

Neurodiverse children are often overlooked especially in early childhood education where it can be hard to differentiate between children who have a specific issue and those who are just late in developing.