Cuts hit early childhood education hard

The government has decided it is okay to have only 80% of the staff qualified in an early childhood education (ECE) centre. On what basis is unclear.

The government currently funds services at different rates according to how many qualified teachers are employed. That will stop in February 2011 when the two highest rates are cut altogether. ECE services will receive funding for 80% qualified staff. If they have more than that, like kindergarten which has 100% qualified teachers, the funding shortfall will need to be met elsewhere.

Previous governments recognised the benefits of ECE, increasing funding over the years to improve quality and increase participation. Both of these goals were achieved with over 500 new services established in the last five years and an additional 16,000 children attending during that same time. Although the funding has increased over time, it started from a low base and we still spend well under the OECD average.

The number of qualified teachers in a centre and their level of qualification are two of indicators of high quality ECE. High quality ECE benefits all children and their families, and it benefits society in the long term. There is plenty of evidence to back that up: research shows for every $1 spent in ECE, $13 is saved in later years. Children participating in high quality ECE are more likely to be successful and stay longer at school, have better employment prospects, and make a positive contribution to society.

Why then at a time when the government wants to lift school achievement, would it cut funding to ECE and settle for 80% qualified staff?

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this issue.

Clare Wells is the chief executive of New Zealand Kindergartens. Passionate about ECE and an advocate of high quality early childhood education services for our youngest citizens, Clare has been influential in shaping the direction of ECE in Aotearoa New Zealand. Clare has extensive experience in early childhood education (ECE) working as a teacher, policy analyst, and government advisor.