May 23, 2023
ECE plan missing Māori dimension
A leader of Taranaki puna reo Te Kopae Piripono warns Māori early childhood education providers may not meet the criteria for new ECE funding.
Budget 2023 extended the 20 hours free ECE subsidy to two-year-olds as a cost of living measure.
Aroaro Tamati says it’s great for whanau who use mainstream ECE providers, but it’s not as straightforward for kaupapa Māori ECE providers like puna reo and kōhanga reo which need to be fulltime to support the development of te reo Maori.
She says Ngā Puna Reo Aotearoa suggested an alternative.
“What we have been pushing for is 30 hours free ECE for kaupapa Maori immersion early childhood settings, taking into account the full time requirement that is necessary,” Dr Tamati says.
She welcomes the Budget provision to make certified kaiako at kaupapa Māori ECEs eligible for an added allowance to their salary.