What can population information tell us about early childhood education?
Early childhood education relates to people under 5 years of age. Census data provides information on the characteristics and location of people in this age group.
Population estimates and projections of the numbers of preschoolers can tell us how many children will need access to preschool education either currently or in the future.
Information about children's participation in early childhood education can show how many children are taking part and how many use the different education services available.
Resources
Early Childhood Education (ECE) Statistics
Includes ECE Workforce Survey, key statistics about children and staff in the ECE sector and other documents. Published by the Ministry of Education on the Education Counts website.
Education Statistics of New Zealand 1989-2002
Summary statistics about education in New Zealand. Published by Ministry of Education, updated annually.
Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Education
Ministry of Education's strategic plan for early childhood education in the next 10 years. Published 2001.
Te Whāriki
Early Childhood Education Curriculum Policy Statement, published by Ministry of Education, 1996.
Early Childhood Education Centres of Innovation
Early Childhood Education Centres of Innovation (COIs) were announced in Pathways to the Future, Nga Huarahi Arataki (2002). Teachers and educators in six COIs will research what gives their centre a reputation for effectiveness, and will open their doors to show others their innovations and findings.
References
Cullen J and Bevan-Brown J (2000). Resourcing Special Education in Early Childhood: Database and Best Practice Validation, Ministry of Education, Wellington.
MacNaughton G (2000). Rethinking Gender in Early Childhood Education, Paul Chapman, London.
Smith A, Masse L and Barnett W (2000). Early Childhood Education: Literature Review, Children's Issues Centre, Dunedin.
Experts
For further information contact the Demography Division of Statistics New Zealand.