Profiting from ECE "not as simple as ABC"- Publication date: 7 November 2008

“The Association is not against the private ownership of centres, indeed many of our member centres are privately owned, but maintaining high standards and generating a profit in early childhood education is not as simple as ABC”, says Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association Chief Executive Nancy Bell. “Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, providing good facilities and supporting staff development is an expensive enterprise. The margins are very tight in all centres.”

The current economic climate makes it especially tough for ECE centres to balance their books. “We advise all centres to look very carefully at the ABC situation and make plans to deal with the impact of a slowing economy on their service.”

ABC’s receivers have advised that their New Zealand centres are unaffected and will continue to operate. “We are pleased to hear that New Zealand centres are staying open as this will provide continuity for children, teachers, parents and whānau. The Association believes in access to high quality ECE for all children. Were ABC to close, over 7000 children would face uncertainty and disruption as there isn’t capacity in the sector to absorb those places.”

“Our main concern at the moment is for the families, whānau and teachers involved.”