This report presents findings from the first phase of data collection for the stage 1 evaluation of the ECE Strategic Plan. It describes the localities and services participating in the evaluation and provides a baseline picture of how things were in mid-2004 in relation to the participation, quality and collaborative relationships goals of the Plan.
This first phase of the evaluation covers only the initial stages of the long-term strategic plan. The most important aspect of this phase of the evaluation is to provide a baseline picture of how things were in mid-2004 before the major policy changes began, so that when we return to the same early childhood education services in 2006, we can map the changes that occur in services and for parents between 2004 and 2006. This comparison will provide some insight into how change occurred, and whether it is heading as expected against the participation, quality and collaborative relationship goals of Pathways to the Future – Ngā Huarahi Arataki.