NZ Research Shows the Benefit of 100% ECE Qualified Teachers

Search Entire Website

Benefit of ECE Qualified Teachers.
By Arwen Hann.
July 29, 2012.

New research suggests children are better off in early childhood centres that have 100 percent ECE qualified teachers within ratios and explicitly deploy qualified teachers to work with and ensure continuity of caregiving for under 2s.  

The research studied 10 randomly selected centres, half of which were wholly staffed by qualified teachers and the other half had between 50 and 79 percent of teachers qualified.

The study included observing children, talking to parents and teachers, and assessments of some four-year-old children by teachers focusing on social skills, skills including maths and reading and te reo.

The study found that children in 100% centres were more likely to hold conversations with teachers and to take part in complex play.

As would be expected, teacher training made a difference to teachers’ behaviours with children. The benefit of ECE qualified teachers was that they were “intentional” about the children’s learning and spent more time planning and passing information on to parents. They were also more likely to initiate conversations and help children to form and develop concepts. These things are highlighted in international research as being predictive of children’s academic success later.

Centres with 100% qualified staff were also found to have more continuous care for under-2s. 

Parent-teacher interaction was also greater in these centres with teachers talking more about the child’s learning and their teaching practices and philosophies, rather than chatting informally with the parent.

However, 100% centres did not score well in all areas, being rated as below average in offering maths experiences. The inclusion of Maori culture and te reo was also found to be related more to individual teacher’s cultural knowledge than whether they held a teaching qualification. These things highlight possible gaps in the quality of current teacher education.

Reference
Meade, A., Stuart, M., &  Williamson, J. (2012) A study of teachers’ work in providing quality care and education for infants and toddlers. First years : New Zealand journal of infant and toddler education, 14(2),  25-33

Has this been useful?  Give us your feedback.

You are welcome to add a link to this page on your website. Copyright belongs to the OECE so please do not copy any content without our written permission.

Information provided is of a general nature. It is provided ‘as is’, and we accept no liability for its accuracy or completeness. See our Terms and Conditions.

Related Posts

many colours of paint concept for early childhood sector groups and early childhood education system

Who is Who in our Sector

Early Childhood Education System. The Stakeholders and Key Organisations Peak Bodies / Largest ECE Service Operators Operators of more than 400 licensed services in our

Read More »
birthday cake 4 years old

Birthday Cakes – Yes or No? The Options

Birthday cakes. Birthdays are a very exciting time for children in early childhood and it is important that children can celebrate these special occasions with their peers to acknowledge and appreciate this day with them. We can probably all remember […]

To access this member only information, you must purchase Educator Membership.

Read More »
regulations licensing criteria regulation compliance and complaints

What Records to Retain and How Long

Retention of Records: Paperwork and what’s Required to be Kept by the Ministry and Various Agencies, including IRD and the Charities Commission. Issues of safety, privacy, and storage. Early childhood service reports and records should always be kept in a […]

Read More »
Happy smiling child

The New Pay Scales and Funding for Full Pay Parity

There are new pay scales for full pay parity. Services that opt into the kindergarten funding rate must attest to paying their teachers the full kindergarten pay scale.  Other funding options linked to no salary attestation requirement (base funding), and […]

Read More »
The Office of ECE

Share This Information

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Office of ECE Login

Public Area Categories
Categories