9. Hon MARK BURTON (Labour—Taupo) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
What reports has he received about support for early childhood education?
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Education) Link to this
I have seen a report of a recent visit by a member of this House to an early childhood teacher diploma class in Napier. While there, the member described the early childhood education teacher trainees as glorified babysitters. Research clearly shows the critical importance of high-quality care and education for our youngest children. Craig Foss should be ashamed of himself.
Can the Minister tell the House what other reports he has seen about the importance of trained teachers in early childhood education?
I have seen a report from the New Zealand Childcare Association expressing dismay at National’s plans to loosen requirements for trained teachers for very young children and early childhood education, stating: “We are appalled by the idea that children under the age of 2 need fewer qualified teachers.”