The Future of Early Childhood Education - Publication date: 20 October 2008

Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa / NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) has released a series of policy recommendations in its manifesto for the 2008 election ‘The Future of Early Childhood Education'.

“The manifesto is a call to the next government for policy initiatives that will ensure high quality early childhood education,” says NZCA Chief Executive Nancy Bell. “Our members have a vision for the way forward.”

The manifesto’s key policy recommendations include maintaining and increasing access to the 20 hours free scheme, a fully qualified early childhood teaching workforce by 2012 and improving teacher child ratios for under two year olds and.

“A fully qualified early childhood teaching workforce is the number one priority of our members. The next government should look closely at policies to achieve that goal, for the benefit of both children and families,” she explained.

“We’ve seen huge progress towards accessible high quality ECE for all children. It’s important that we don’t lose momentum.”

The Future of Early Childhood Education can be downloaded on www.nzca.ac.nz/voice