Hon Anne Tolley
Minister of Education


29 October 2009 Media Statement
Extension for teacher registration targets

The timeframe for achieving the 80 per cent teacher registration target in teacher-led, centre-based Early Childhood Education (ECE) services has been extended to 2012, Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced.

“The significant growth in the number of teacher-led ECE centres in recent years has led to an increase in demand for qualified and registered teachers,” says Mrs Tolley.

“Ministry data indicates that the target of 80 per cent registered teachers by 2010, set by the previous government, is not achievable and that 2012 is more realistic. It’s estimated that over 1000 centre-based services would be at risk if they have to reach the 80 per cent target by next year.

“I am confident that pushing out the timeframe will reduce the immediate pressure on teacher-led, centre-based ECE services, while easing the demand for registered teachers in the short-term.”

Currently 50 per cent of staff in teacher-led, centre-based ECE services must have a recognised ECE teaching qualification. On average, 61 per cent of the ECE workforce is qualified.

“This decision will help maintain high standards in early childhood education, as we prepare children for lifelong learning, engage whānau in education and give parents the confidence to use ECE,” says Mrs Tolley.

ENDS

Questions and Answers

What has happened?

Government has announced that the date for achieving 80 per cent registered teachers in teacher-led, centre-based early childhood education (ECE) services has been extended to 2012.

This will help maintain sufficiently high standards across the ECE sector while easing the demand for registered teachers in the sector in the short term.

What proportion of ECE qualified and registered teachers will be required in 2010?

There will be no change to the numbers of ECE qualified and registered teachers services require to meet regulated adult:child ratios in 2010.

All teacher-led, centre-based ECE services will need to continue to ensure that 50 per cent of the staff required to meet regulated adult:child ratios hold an ECE teaching qualification recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council for registration purposes.

Why was the target shifted to 2012?

Ministry of Education data indicates that the 80 per cent teacher registration target is not achievable in all teacher-led, centre-based services by 2010, but may be by 2012. Government has provided a pragmatic response to reducing the immediate pressure on teacher-led, centre-based ECE services, while maintaining high standards across the sector.

Ministry of Education projections indicate that 37 per cent of teacher-led services (1077) are at risk of not meeting the 80 per cent teacher registration target by 2010. This would have equated to a projected shortage of up to 1,100 registered ECE teachers next year.

Will the 100 per cent teacher registration target by 2012 still apply?

No. Government considers that achieving a minimum level of 80 per cent registered teachers by 2012 will maintain sufficiently high standards across the sector. ECE services can still choose to employ a greater proportion of ECE qualified and registered teachers than the 80 per cent target.

Why have a teacher registration target at all?

Government is committed to high standards in ECE and setting targets for registered teachers acknowledges the important role they play in maintaining high standards in the sector. High quality ECE helps prepare children for lifelong learning, engages whānau in education and gives parents more confidence.

An important factor of quality ECE, and therefore improving standards, is strong learning relationships between and among adults and children. In teacher-led centres, qualified and registered staff are more likely than unqualified staff to drive high standards in ECE and establish effective learning environments.

What about sessional kindergartens – will they still be required to have 100 per cent registered teachers?

Yes, sessional kindergartens are required by the Education Act 1989 to appoint only registered teachers to teaching positions.

Will coordinators in homebased ECE Services still be required to be ECE qualified and registered teachers?

Yes. The change to the timeframe for the 80 per cent target applies to teacher-led, centre-based services only.

I’m enrolled in an initial ECE teacher education programme. Will this change affect my employment opportunities when I graduate?

Government is committed to higher standards in ECE and registered teachers play an important role in this. In recent years there has been significant growth in children’s participation in ECE, and in the numbers of new ECE services opening. This growth has increased demand for ECE qualified and registered teachers.

Currently, there are not enough new graduates to meet the demand for registered teachers.

My child is enrolled at an ECE centre. Will my child receive a lower standard of education if the timeframe for 80 per cent teacher registration target is extended?

No. Sufficiently high standards will be maintained across the sector. Currently all teacher-led, centre-based ECE services must ensure 50 per cent of the staff required to meet regulated adult:child ratios hold an ECE teaching qualification recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council for registration purposes. The Government’s target of 80 per cent registered teachers enhances current requirements.

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