Te Rito to offer a home-based early childhood qualification

Te Rito Maioha is pleased that the Minister of Education, Chris Hipkins has announced a minimum qualification requirement for home-based early childhood education.

‘This move will improve quality in the home-based sector and ensure that tamariki have the opportunity to thrive and learn,’ says Te Rito Maioha Chief Executive, Kathy Wolfe.

‘We have known for some time that the government was likely to increase qualification and quality requirements for the home-based sector.

‘Te Rito Maioha has been working with some home-based providers and educators to help this sector to become more qualified.

‘We will offer a Level 5 home-based early childhood education qualification from the middle of 2019*. Our year-long qualification will be taught online, enabling home-based educators to continue to earn while they learn.’

Ms Wolfe says Te Rito Maioha was keen for the government to require at least a Level 4 qualification, believing that this was in the best interests of the tamariki attending home-based early childhood services.

‘Our point of view is why we have gone with the higher, Level 5 qualification.

‘Te Rito Maioha’s new qualification will provide a career pathway from Level 4 to Level 5 study. After that, graduates will have the option of progressing to our Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), which will be of particular interest to those wishing to pursue a visiting teacher role.

‘Some of these graduates will have recognition of prior learning, which will reduce their period of degree study.’

*Please note that the new qualification is subject to NZQA approval.

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