This paper describes the problematic aspects of redesigning the administration, organization, and funding of early childhood education in New Zealand. A committee for redesigning early childhood programs in the nation had specified the dimensions of the government's role in supporting early childhood education, and had proposed new arrangements…

Many countries' reform efforts are government-directed programs that are driven by the government rather than by educators or bureaucrats. A comparative analysis of this type of reform, with a focus on Canada, is presented here. The paper raises questions about the international character of education reform by comparing the Canadian experience…

In the past 10 years many countries have implemented large-scale reforms of their public educational systems. The origins of reform programs in four countries--Canada, the United States, England, and New Zealand--are presented here. The text focuses on four aspects of reform: (1) the sources of reforms as initially proposed by governments, the…

This paper outlines a quiet revolution in early childhood care and education in New Zealand. In 1986, child care services were transferred from the Department of Social Welfare to the Department of Education. A working group then reviewed provisions and made recommendations. In January, 1989, an implementation unit was established in the…