Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have my child on the early childhood programme?
If the student meets the enrolment criteria of the Ministry of Education there are no fees. However we ask parents of students on the programme to make a voluntary donation of $50.00 per student or $70.00 per family when more than one child is enrolled. The donation is tax deductible.
The website has been updated but I'm not seeing the changes - what do I do?
Your browser will cache content so it becomes faster to view previously viewed content. To request an up to date version of the website, press CTRL + F5 (Windows) or COMMAND + R (Mac). Depending on your personal settings, you may need to do this for every page on this website.
How often will my child receive work?
Generally early childhood postings contain 4 weeks worth of work. Your child’s teacher will begin preparing the next posting once the previous one has been received and assessed at TCS. A return date is generally noted on the comments sheet.
What happens if we lose or damage any returnable learning material?
We understand that items occasionally will get damaged or lost. Please return all items you have in the usual manner, including those which have been damaged or are missing pieces. A donation towards the replacement cost of these items would be appreciated. The TCS library may invoice you separately for any lost or damaged books.
How do I return a posting?
Please seal any returnable items in the plastic bag before placing in the canvas bag. Turn the address card over so that the TCS return address is visible in the window of the canvas bag.
Can I contact my child’s teacher?
Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher with any queries or comments you wish to make about their programme of learning. The TCS freephone number is 0800 65 99 88 if you know the extension number for the teacher you will then be able to direct dial. If you know the teacher’s name but not the extension number the reception staff will be able to put you through. If you are unsure of the teacher’s name ask the reception staff to put you through to the early childhood service where any one of the staff will be able to help you.
Sending an email to your child’s teacher can be an effective way to communicate.
Firstname.surname@tekura.school.nz
If you have the Skype programme with your webcam make a time with your teacher to communicate this way.
Handibits (voice recording software) is another useful communication strategy you can use with your child to get messages to their teacher.
How do you decide where ECH events will be held each year?
Our event schedule is determined by a number of factors. Each year we try to get to different areas to enable families who haven't been able to attend an event to do so. We also try to ensure teachers with students in a given area are able to attend. Because we have a limited budget for events we try to hold these in areas where we have groups of students.
Where do you hold events?
We like to make use of community early childhood education facilities like Playcentre and playgroup buildings. We believe this gives the children who attend the opportunity to experience an appropriate early childhood learning setting. If you have such a facility in your area which doesn’t operate every day of the week, please let your child’s teacher have the details.
I understand I might be able to claim some travel reimbursement for attending an event. How do I do this?
The Correspondence School tries to assist families who travel to any TCS events. Claims are made on claim form CEOTCEC 06/1. Your teacher will be able to give you the form at the event. Payment is made at 20 cents per kilometre to the event nearest your home. You are expected to fund the first 50 kilometres of any round trip yourself. Reimbursements will only be refunded through application on the claim form and they are paid by direct credit.
Left Handedness
Click here to download the Word Document regarding Left handedness.