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.

It’s common knowledge that sleep is essential for growth and development, especially in children and infants. Parents spend months trying to perfect a sleeping room that provides the best rest for their children. They then pack their little ones off to childcare centres with their fingers crossed that the positive sleep routine continues. Centres do their best to replicate sleep patterns and habits, but naturally, a childcare sleeping room differs from a personal nursery.

The early childhood education sector is booming. Figures show there are currently around 4,500 licensed services across New Zealand with education and care centres making up the majority of that figure. In 2018, the Ministry of Education Annual ECE Census, found that more than 60% of 0-4 year-olds attended a licensed ECE service during the week and the average weekly attendance time tops 21 hours.