20 Hours ECE: Who Qualifies and What You Get

This scheme provides a set number of free early childhood education hours each week to help families manage the costs of childcare for their young children.

👤Who it's for

This support is specifically designed for children who have reached the ages of 3, 4, or 5 years old. It is intended to assist families with the costs of early learning as children prepare for their transition into more formal schooling.

🎁What you get

Under this scheme, you receive 20 hours of free early childhood education per week. These hours are intended to help cover the cost of your child's early learning and development during their preschool years.

💰What it costs you

To take advantage of this benefit, your child must be enrolled at a licensed early childhood education provider. While the education hours themselves are covered, you are responsible for ensuring your child is attending a provider that is officially licensed to offer these specific free hours.

⚠️The catch to know

The most important thing to understand is that while the education hours are provided for free, this does not necessarily mean the entire childcare experience is free of cost. Some centers may charge "optional charges" for various extra services provided alongside the education. These extra costs can include things like meals, nappies, or other specialized supplies. It is essential to carefully review and understand your enrollment contract with your provider to see exactly what is covered and what you will be expected to pay for separately.

📝How to apply

1. Research and find a licensed early childhood education provider in your area.
2. Confirm with the provider that they offer the 20 hours of free education for your child's specific age group.
3. Carefully review the enrollment contract to check for any additional "optional charges" for extra services.
4. Complete the enrollment process directly through your chosen provider.
5. Visit the official portal for more information: https://www.education.govt.nz