The best solution is more places for ECE teachers

The best solution is more places for ECE teachers- Publication date: 19 June 2009

"The only viable long term solution to the lack of qualified early childhood teachers is to provide more funding for ECE tertiary providers," says Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association Chief Executive, Nancy Bell. "Right now we find ourselves in the unenviable position of having to turn away almost 200 applicants at a time when centres are crying out for more qualified teachers."

At this week's NZEI symposium the Ministry of Education made it clear the sector is not able to meet the 2010 qualified teacher targets, but on track to meet the 2012 target. "While disappointing, it is also extremely heartening to see that since 2002 around 5000 early childhood teachers have become qualified. Sadly, this hasn't been enough to keep pace with the rising demand for ECE places."

One solution being mooted is a top up course for overseas trained teachers, "the majority of overseas applicants do not meet the standards of New Zealand qualified teachers. They would need three years of further education to meet our level 7 teacher qualification requirements. However, there are a small group of overseas teachers eligible for registration as primary teachers and upgrade programmes for these teachers seem like a good idea.  Unfortunately, this group only equates to about 30 teachers per year, it's definitely not the panacea to ECE teacher supply."

"It's true that a lack of qualified teachers constrains the expansion of centres and this means long waiting lists for parents in some regions. The solution is to enable tertiary providers to provide more places in ECE teacher education programmes. There are enough teachers in the sector, just not enough qualified teachers."

"Our members will be looking for a practical solution to regulating the 2010 targets that doesn't see centres under the threat of closure, but maintains the commitment to a fully qualified ECE teaching workforce in 2012. The way forward is to allow more teachers to qualify, especially in areas of high demand."

"The threat of mass centre closures due to a shortage of teachers is irresponsible scaremongering. This government has placed a high priority on every child's right to participate in ECE, and we expect to work constructively with the government to develop policy that ensures there is no loss of places for children."

ENDS

For further information contact Simon Horrocks on 04 471 6811 or 027 340 6099