The Heretaunga Kindergarten Association has reached its final decision regarding staffing and hour changes at the 16 centres under its umbrella, and says the outcome will ensure the ongoing financial viability of the service.
The association sent proposals for consultation to its member kindergartens in Hastings, Havelock North, Flaxmere, Waipawa and Waipukurau in March this year, and the move prompted concerns at some centres that the changes would take away parents' choice and endanger the model of free public kindergarten.
Association general manager Fiona Mason said the changes, including to session times and number of staff positions, were a response to the Government removing 100 per cent qualified teacher funding bands, resulting in a $1.1 million funding cut for the Heretaunga association.
Research undertaken by the association and Cinta Research in 2014 indicated parents required longer and more flexible hours for children to fit in with work and school hours, she said.
A recently completed review where teachers, parents and community members were asked to provide alternatives, confirmed the research findings.