Au Pair Link fully supports more transparent ERO reports

Friday, 10 May 2013

Au Pair Link, one of New Zealand's largest Home-based Early Childhood Education providers, has joined the Early Childhood Council in calling for a new Education Review Office (ERO) reporting system to be introduced industry wide.

Cecilia Robinson, 2012 HER Businesswoman of the Year and founder of Au Pair Link, says it is crucial parents are able to make informed choices about how their young children are cared for and educated.

"Au Pair Link is highly regarded by Education Review Office. Au Pair Link's 10 individual ERO Reports have praised Au Pair childcare and our high quality approach to Early Childhood Education. This information is invaluable to parents and we welcome greater transparency in our sector" says Ms Robinson.

"Parents are increasingly choosing Early Childhood Education that is tailored to the specific needs of their child. They understand the value of learning fostered by a dedicated in home educator".

Ms Robinson continues "Parents want to know that their children are getting quality personalised care and support. We focus on providing a stable and secure home environment for children, and ensure that each child gets the full attention and support they need in those crucial first years of life."

Au Pair Link provides regular home visits by qualified early childhood teachers to monitor the developmental and learning progress of children. The company now employs 23 fully qualified and registered early childhood teachers.

"Nearly half the children enrolled in our ECE service have come from a centre based or day-care environment. Parents know what works best for their kids." says Ms Robinson.

"Home-based ECE is the fastest growing sector in the Early Childhood Education industry. We completely support ERO to expand their efforts to make it easier for parents to compare the benefits of different services. They can then make the best decision for their children's future." concluded Robinson.

Au Pair Link recently co-founded the Home Early Learning Organisation (HELO) with other leading Home-based ECE providers including PORSE, PAUA and Home Grown Kids. Collectively, HELO represents over 9,000 children and over 4,000 educators, nannies, and Au Pairs.

Further background information - what ERO says about Au Pair Link:

"Au Pairs are committed to helping children progress their learning and children often benefit from programmes which focus on their current strengths and interests. An effective documentation process has been developed and is used well by most Au Pairs to plan for children's care and education."

"The service promotes a balanced, stimulating learning programme for children. Au Pairs are supported and encouraged to provide a variety of learning experiences in areas such as literacy, numeracy, creative and messy play. The programme is enriched by outings, excursions and use of community facilities. A feature of the programme is the opportunities for children to gain an awareness of other cultures through their relationships with Au Pairs."

"Programme managers have high standards of professional practice in their support of curriculum and assessment for children. They quickly establish positive and trusting relationships with the Au Pairs, families and children, and model effective teaching strategies, learning interactions and conversations. They empower the Au Pairs to learn about and implement Te Whāiki and monitor their progress and wellbeing."