Parents Want Qualified Early Childhood Teachers

August 16th 2010
For Immediate Release

Parents Want Qualified Early Childhood Teachers

A survey of more than 1600 parents shows overwhelming support for young children to be taught by qualified early childhood teachers.

The survey, which was sent to early childhood centres and services around the country, was carried out by the education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa in response to the Government’s direct attack on quality early childhood education in the Budget.

$400 million is being slashed from early childhood spending with the Government cutting funding to those services which employ between 80-100% fully qualified staff. The cuts will affect more than half of the children currently enrolled in early childhood services. They penalise those services which are trying to provide the best quality education and care, and will force many to push up their fees to families.

Of the 1604 surveys received, an overwhelming 1584 of parents said they believed their child should have qualified early childhood education teachers, and 1566 agreed that all children should.

Parents were also asked whether they should pay more for early childhood education and the response was a resounding “no”. They also agreed overwhelmingly that quality early childhood education is an investment in New Zealand’s future.

Research shows that children who are involved in quality early childhood education have better educational outcomes later in life.

“This survey is a clear signal that parents understand and value the importance of having fully qualified teachers educating and caring for their children - it’s a shame the Government doesn’t share that view, and instead chooses to undermine quality early childhood education,” says NZEI Vice President Judith Nowotarski.

“Parents and communities are angry about these cuts and are aware of the pressures they are putting on centres and services. The Government needs to restore the funding, recommit to teacher qualification targets and back the right of all children to have the early childhood education they deserve.”

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