NZEI Supports Early Childhood Qualification Move

NZEI Supports Early Childhood Qualification Move

The union that represents early childhood teachers, NZEI Te Riu Roa, supports a move to help early childhood education centres meet the Government’s requirement to employ qualified teachers.

The Government’s 10 year strategic plan for early childhood education requires 50% of teachers in teacher-led early childhood education centres to be registered and qualified by 2007, 80% by 2008 and 100% by 2012. Education Minister, Trevor Mallard, announced yesterday that centres will be able to meet these targets if up to 30% of their staff are actively engaged in approved programmes to become qualified teachers.

“NZEI Te Riu Roa remains committed to its policy of having 100% of teachers in teacher-led early childhood education centres qualified and registered by 2012,” says NZEI Te Riu Roa National Secretary, Lynne Bruce.

“The union sees this as a pragmatic move that will help early childhood education centres meet the qualification requirements set by the Government in its 10 year plan for early childhood education.”

“There is a wealth of evidence that shows children receive a better quality education at early childhood centres staffed with qualified teachers.”

“The Competent Children project being conducted by the New Zealand Council For Educational Research shows that the quality ratings for centres increases as the proportion of qualified staff increases.”

“The evidence is clear. Early childhood education centres with qualified and registered staff provide quality education for children enabling them to get the best possible start in life.”

“New Zealand’s children deserve nothing less than this and that’s why NZEI Te Riu Roa supports this move to help early childhood education centres meet the Government’s requirements to be staffed by qualified teachers,” says Lynne Bruce.

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