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Carol Stovold Quality Kidz qualitykidz.co.nz |
The New Zealand Home-based Early Childhood Association is delighted to endorse the Open Polytechnic launch of a 'fit for purpose” qualification for educators who provide in-home childcare.
President of the NZHECEA Carol Stovold says in-home childcare is the fastest growing sector in early childhood education. The association and Barnardos is committed to recognise this by working with the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand to develop a professional qualification for educators.
Range of choices
Designed for distance learners, the new certificate is suitable for those involved in a range of early childhood settings including home-based, education and care centres, play groups and parents of young children.
The qualification has been developed in conjunction with New Zealand Homebased Early Childhood Education Association and Barnardos to ensure it meets the requirements of the sector. By gaining the Certificate in Early Childhood Practice, home-based educators will meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education for quality funding and all graduates will be equipped to work effectively with children and families in a range of early childhood settings.
This qualification is an ideal starting point for students wanting academic skills and an understanding of early childhood education in New Zealand. The qualification will support entry into the Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood programme.
The government is investing more resources in early childhood education. Research shows that a long-term investment in early childhood education provides benefits for New Zealand.
'In-home educators are committed to early childhood education and will now be able to access a qualification that recognises the valuable role in education and care they are providing through working in partnerships with parents and families throughout the country,” says Carol.
Ms Yule of PORSE is a recent article calling for a fit for purpose qualification says 'a paradigm shift is happening with New Zealand as more parents are recognising the value in-home childcare. More parents are now choosing their own educator to provide their pre-school children with early learning and care in a home environment”.
Carol agrees with this statement.
'Ministry of Education statistics show the number of children in in-home childcare increased by 74 per cent since 2006. These statistics and feedback from our members indicate more New Zealand parents understand the importance of small group size and one-to-one secure attachment relationships in a child's early brain development.”
Enhancing skills
The new qualification for in-home childcare will support the recommendations made in the Children's Commissioner February 2011 report – for enhancing the levels of knowledge and skills for those who care for infants and toddlers says Carol.
Notes:
• Latest MOE statistics report in-home childcare is the fastest growing sector.
• NZHECEA is the country's leading professional home-based ECE organisation providing advice, support, professional development and advocacy on behalf of its members.
• NZHECEA supports in-home educators, nannies, staff and service providers around New Zealand both community based and privately owned.
• To find out more visit www.nzhomebasedece.org.nz
Next week's article will be on sharing.