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"A suffocating blanket of uniformity was thrown over the early childhood sector today by Education Minister Nick Smith," says Libertarianz Education Deregulation Spokesman Scott Alsweiler.

Thousands of New Zealanders send their children to Montessori schools, Steiner Schools and Kohanga Reo centres every day to avoid the the dumbed-down early childhood state alternative, or to follow their chosen educational philosophy. Today's announcement that only state sanctioned degree or diploma holders may now operate an early childhood centre sounds the death knell for all these centres. "It appears the state simply cannot tolerate this diversity in early childhood education," says Alsweiler.

While still awaiting further clarification, it appears that teachers who hold internationally recognised qualifications are to be disqualified from following their livelihoods in New Zealand, and that Montessori schools, Steiner schools, Kohanga Reo - and even apparently play centres - will be required to have holders of politically correct state diplomas dictating the way their schools are run.

"The state is effectively ensuring that no choice in early childhood education is available to parents," says Alsweiler. "The result will be abject dumbed-down uniformity of early childhood educational provision across the country - any differences will be in name only." "Make no mistake," says Alsweiler, "this is a disaster for thousands of New Zealanders who want a choice in how their children are educated. This must be fought vigorously."

ENDS

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