Goals

· To be a leader in the early childhood education sector

· To ensure effective governance within the Association

· To improve the quality of teaching and learning

· To ensure sustainable participation in Association kindergartens

· To promote collaborative relationships to support diverse kindergarten communities

 

Overview

The Franklin Kindergarten Association is registered with the Companies Office as an Incorporated Society, and is the legal entity for 25 member kindergartens. The Association’s Umbrella Charter, which is a contract with the Ministry of Education, contains further information on member kindergartens administered from the Association office.

Association kindergartens are licensed early childhood education services required to meet the Education (Early Childhood Centres) Regulations 1998 and the Association’s Umbrella Charter. All kindergartens operate on either a sessional or full day license for children from 2 years of age for the hours of operation stated on the individual kindergarten licence.

The Association’s management structure includes a professional support scheme designed to monitor the quality of teaching and learning in all kindergartens. The Association and its kindergartens are independently reviewed by the Education Review Office every three years and the resulting reports are available for public information.

The Association is governed by a Board of Management elected under the rules of the Association’s Constitution. The Board consists of a Chairperson, 6 members voted on by elected representatives of member kindergartens and one teacher representative elected by the teaching staff of the Association. The General Manager has membership of the Board in an ex-officio capacity.

The Board is accountable for, and has control of, the management of the Association. The Board’s role is not a ‘hands on’ management activity. The Board employs staff to fulfil the day to day management of professional tasks within the Association and to advance the educational interest of its children.

Board meetings are held monthly at the Association office with no fewer than ten meetings per year.