The Teachers’ Refresher Course Committee (TRCC) agreed that a strand of its Wellington course Whakawhanaungatanga in September 2008 would be devoted to a working group to develop a strategic plan for home-based early childhood education (home-based ECE). A cross-section of people involved in home-based ECE met for two days on 20 and 21 September; they were supported in their strategic work by Dr Anne Meade (facilitator) and Liz Everiss (writer).

The aims of the working group were to:

1. develop a strategic plan to address the unique issues of home-based ECE services and fill gaps in Ngā Huarahi Arataki/ Pathways to the Future (Ministry of Education, 2002);
2. agree on a cohesive, stepped plan that would generate a sense of ownership amongst the home-based ECE sector, and would be achievable;
3. commit to ongoing advocacy and involvement in the progress of a strategic plan.

This is for the discussion on the Consultation about the: PROPOSED LICENSING CRITERIA FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICES.

This is our last chance for feedback before the Minister of Education makes it in to law.

The aim of this forum is to assist the Association in formulating its feed back to the Ministry of Education.