Growth in care of under twos highlights importance of quality

Growth in care of under twos highlights importance of quality- Publication date: 20 December 2009

Centre-based care for under-twos is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many families and this highlights the critical importance of quality says Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association Chief Executive Nancy Bell. "For this reason it's important that we understand the factors that make ECE as good as it can be, in order to achieve optimal outcomes for children."

"Research in this area points strongly to the importance of qualified early childhood teachers and favourable teacher-child ratios. New Zealand was well on the path to achieving a fully qualified workforce since the development of the early childhood strategic plan in 2002, it's vital that we don't lose momentum."

Having qualified teachers is only part of the story as Nancy explains, "Babies in ECE need to form close relationships with trusted adults that are available and responsive. This is very difficult to achieve with the current regulated teacher-child ratios, hence we continue to argue for improved ratios, particularly for under-twos."

The Children's Commissioner's reported comment that providers are interested in "getting more kids into childcare" is not helpful, "our members are fully committed to high quality early childhood education and wherever possible aim to exceed the regulated quality requirements. They are concerned with providing the best possible ECE and to see all children able to access high quality services."     

Read the article ‘Concern at 21% rise of care babies'