This report examines the perspectives of parents, staff, and experts on the definition of quality early education and care in New Zealand. Participants included families and staff from four types of centers: kindergarten, play centers, childcare centers, and Te Kohanga Reo centers. Three data collection methods were used: questionnaires, group discussions, and observational assessment of center quality. The views of early childhood education experts on quality were compare with those of parents and staff. The report consists of four chapters. The first two chapters provide background information and information on objectives of the study, methodology used, and characteristics of the centers and groups of people in the study. Findings are presented in Chapter 3. They show that parent and staff ratings of the importance of various program goals were linked to their definitions of and views on center quality. The most important goals of an early childhood program for parents and staff were to provide a safe, secure environment and warm loving care, and to encourage the development of confidence, interaction with peers, and independence. Chapter 4 concludes that quality in early education and care is a value issue as well as an empirical issue. Different perspectives provide insights and valuable information to support the promotion of quality of early childhood services. Appended are a list of 45 references and related materials. (GLR)