Preschool funding increase

New early childhood centres will receive $4.2 million over the next four years to help cover start-up costs.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the funding would be used for equipment, furniture, and teacher resources and materials.

The Government had invested $12.8 million this year on new early childhood centres, creating 420 more places.

By 2008 funding would be 79 per cent higher than it was in 1999, Mr Mallard said. Extra funding would also bring funding rates for licence-exempt early childhood services in line with licence-exempt kohanga reo.

- NZPA