Fit for Purpose Qualification

For Media Release 1 June 2011

Fit for Purpose Qualification

The New Zealand Home-based Early Childhood Association said today it is delighted to endorse the Open Polytechnic launch of a “fit for purpose” qualification for educators who provide in-home childcare.

President of the NZHECEA Carol Stovold said in-home is childcare now the fastest growing sector in early childhood education and both the Association and Barnardos have been committed to recognize this by working with the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand to develop a professional qualification for educators.

Specifically designed for distance learners, the new certificate is suitable for those involved in a range of early childhood settings including home-based, education and care centres, play groups, and parents of young children.

The qualification has been developed in conjunction with New Zealand Homebased Early Childhood Education Association (NZHECEA) and Barnardos to ensure it meets the need and requirements of the sector. By gaining the Certificate in Early Childhood Practice home-based educators will meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education for quality funding and all graduates will be equipped to work effectively with children and families in a range of early childhood settings.

This qualification is also an ideal starting point for students wanting to gain academic skills and knowledge and an understanding of early childhood education in Aotearoa New Zealand. The qualification will support entry into the Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood programme.

The Government is investing more resources in early childhood education to provide under-fives with childcare and education. Evidenced based scientific and economic research is clearly showing that a long term investment in early childhood education provides benefits for the whole of society in New Zealand.

“In-home educators are committed to early childhood education and will now be able to access a qualification that recognizes the valuable role in education and care they are providing through working in partnerships with parents and families throughout the country,” Ms Stovold said.

Ms Yule of PORSE said in a recent news article calling for a fit for purpose qualification that “A paradigm shift is happening with New Zealand as more parents are recognizing the value in-home childcare. More parents are now choosing their own educator to provide their pre-school children with early learning and care in a home environment,” she said.

Ms Stovold agrees with this statement. “Ministry of Education statistics show the number of children in in-home childcare increased by 74 per cent since 2006. Both these statistics and feedback from our members indicate that more New Zealand parents understand the importance of small group size and one-to-one secure attachment relationships in a child’s early brain development, “Ms Stovold said.

The new qualification for in-home childcare will support the recommendations made in Children’s Commissioner February 2011 report for enhancing the levels of knowledge and skills for those who care for infants and toddlers, Ms Stovold said.

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