Submission: Consultation for the Early Childhood Education Funding Review 

Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand supports reform of the Early Childhood Education funding system, especially changes that make it fairer and more affordable for children and families. We believe any reform should protect the quality and variety of ECE services. Our submission asks for more help for communities with greater needs, simpler funding and reporting, and ongoing support for qualified teachers. We also point out the challenges faced by small and independent services, the need for stronger learning support, and worries about changes that could affect staffing or service stability. Any new funding model should reflect the true cost of quality education and be closely watched to prevent problems. The needs of children must always come first.