education legislation that is relevant to early childhood education services. 3.    I want to set up an early childhood education service - where do I start and what help can I get? Setting up a licensed early childhood education service takes planning, time and money. The Ministry of Education has resources to help both community and private groups to establish a service. Resource: Establishing an Early Childhood Education service - this guide takes you through the process of establishing a quality early childhood education service. Presently this guide provides information for centre-based and home-based services. 4.    How does my centre become a licensed early childhood education service? Licensing is a complex task and will take time. Services need to comply with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. There are two stages to the licensing process: The Ministry of Education grants a probationary licence for the centre's first year of operation. A license is granted if the premises, equipment, intended programme, staffing levels, policies, and intended practices comply with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. A full licence must be applied for within 12 months of gaining a probationary licence. If compliant, the service is granted a full licence by the Ministry of Education. The service provider is ultimately responsible for ensuring the centre complies with the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 at all times. 5.    Can anyone be a service provider/contact person and/or set up a service? Regulation 8 of the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008