In-home educators focused on kids

Au Pair Link is concerned about statements from the Ministry of Education regarding early childhood education (ECE) subsidies being used for in-home educators to do housework.

Au Pair Link Managing Director Cecilia Robinson supports the government’s objective of value for money in ECE, but suggests the Ministry may have misunderstood the vital role of home based learning in the successful educational development of children.

“Au Pair Link’s primary focus is the provision of high quality early childhood education and care. A strong bond between child and educator and the provision of a secure, consistent and stimulating environment are key determinants of quality educational outcomes in ECE,” Robinson says.

Au Pair Link’s seven regional Education Review Office Reports have praised the business’ approach to early childhood education. The reports show that Au Pair Link’s services have low educator-to-child ratios and consistently deliver excellent outcomes for children and their families, she says.

“Au Pair Link is proud of the fact that its services are focused on providing a stable and secure environment for children, and ensuring each child gets the full attention and support he or she needs in the vital early years of life.”

For every dollar spent on centre-based ECE services, the Government spends on average only 66 cents for home-based ECE services.

“Nearly half the children enrolled in our ECE service have come from a centre-based environment. This provides an excellent return on government investment – quality early childhood outcomes for less,” says Robinson.

“To suggest that Au Pair Link is doing ‘family housework’ shows a misunderstanding of what we do. We recognise that both education and care are important and together they are our primary focus. Any government subsidy we receive is used solely for the education of our kids, to support their developing minds,” says Robinson

As at November 2012, 564 enrolled children were placed with 330 au pairs in Au Pair Link’s ECE service. In total, Au Pair Link has more than 400 au pairs currently in New Zealand.

Au Pair Link intends to participate fully in the government’s consultation on the Home-based ECE Review and is looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the Ministry of Education to clear up any confusion it might have, Ms Robinson says.

Au Pair Link is a Ministry of Education licensed home-based Early Childhood Education provider delivering high quality early childhood education and care for children from birth to school age across New Zealand.  Au Pair Link services implement New Zealand’s Early Childhood Education (“ECE”) curriculum, Te Whāriki, enabling children to be educated and cared for in their own home.