Early childhood teacher education is alive and kicking in Gisborne - Publication date: 30 September 2009
"Tairawhiti Polytechnic is not the only provider offering recognised teacher education programmes in Gisborne," says acting Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association Chief Executive Jane Ewens. "Our Gisborne teaching base has been in operation for a number of years and has provided the Gisborne ECE community with significant numbers of quality graduates through our three year Diploma of Teaching programme."
"Our Gisborne staff are acutely aware of the shortage of qualified teachers in Gisborne and NZCA is doing it's best to ensure a steady supply of qualified teachers." explains Jane, "NZCA offers a robust and sector recognised qualification in Gisborne which is ideal for centres to increase their number of qualified teachers. This year Gisborne can expect 7 new graduates and a further 16 next year," says Jane.
"We hope that our graduates can go some way to helping the ECE community overcome the long waiting lists in the region. However, there is a limit to the amount of students we can take on board due to government funding caps."
"We are currently looking for students to enrol in the January 2010 intake of our level 7 Diploma of Teaching ECE. Our qualification is perfect for Gisborne as is centre-based which means students work on a day release programme. The diploma allows teachers to work, teach and qualify at the same time. Centre managers can even apply for grants from the Ministry of Education to help them cover the costs of releasing staff. Anyone interested in finding out more should call us on 0800 childcare for their free application pack."
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Simon Horrocks on 04 471 6811
To the journalist: Please note that Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / New Zealand Childcare Association should be cited in full in the first instance and can then be abbreviated to NZCA
About NZCA
Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) is a membership association representing over 500 early childhood centres. Established in 1963, the Association advocates for the maintenance of the highest levels of quality in early childhood education, delivers teacher education programmes and professional development to ECE under contract from the Ministry of Education.
NZCA is New Zealand's single largest provider of early childhood teacher education programmes (kindergarten and preschool teachers) offering a level 7 diploma to over 900 students nationwide at 16 regional teaching bases.