Qualification targets concern - Publication date: 12 July 2008
“The Governments strategic plan for early childhood has all teachers qualified and registered by 2012. The current requirement is that fifty percent meet this criterion and though it has been a challenge by and large this has been achieved. Many services are well beyond fifty percent already and confident that they will achieve one hundred percent by 2012.” said Nancy Bell, Chief Executive of NZCA.
“Under two year-old enrolments are the fastest growing age group - they are also the most vulnerable and require the very best qualified teachers. While we are pleased to hear of National’s intention to improve teacher child ratios we are appalled by the idea that children under two need fewer qualified teachers. Research clearly shows the critical importance of high quality care and education for our youngest children.”
“The idea that anyone with a warm heart can cut the mustard in a centre environment working with large groups of children and ratios of one teacher to four or five children is ludicrous.”
NZCA members were pleased that the 20 Hours Free scheme would be retained although concerned by the dropping of the word free. “Our members have supported this policy from the outset and continue to do so. There has been a high take-up amongst our member centres”, said
“Our members have a wealth of experience working with young children in early childhood services and are unequivocal about the difference qualifications make. Teachers in our early childhood centres have fought hard to achieve recognition as qualified professionals. They see National’s proposal as undermining their professional status."
Professor of Education Dr Margaret Carr, keynote speaker at the conference, endorsed this, saying “we need qualified professional teachers working with young children of all ages”.
