ECE licensing criteria are changing in April 2026 — and while some requirements have been simplified, expectations around child safety, professional judgement, and evidence of effective practice remain strong.
 
This HeartLead NZ DIGITAL resource provides a plain-English breakdown of the key licensing changes, translating policy wording into clear, practical guidance for centre leaders and teaching teams. It highlights where requirements have shifted, where responsibilities remain, and where expectations have been strengthened — helping services confidently review systems without unnecessary compliance burden.
 
Inside, you’ll find:
A PDF Download File
Clear explanations of what’s changed and what hasn’t
Practical implications for day-to-day practice
Implementation suggestions to support safe, intentional decision-making
A calm, leader-focused lens that prioritises clarity over compliance panic
This resource is ideal for:
Centre managers and leaders
Teaching teams preparing for the 2026 changes
Services wanting to simplify systems while maintaining quality and safety
Created to support leaders to step into the updated criteria with confidence, professionalism, and care — not fear.