Why do early childhood teachers need qualifications?
It’s widely accepted that the early childhood years are the most influential. It is the time when the brain forges trillions of connections between cells; preparing the foundations for lifelong learning.
A qualified early childhood teacher is not a ‘child minder’ but a professional, intentional educator; specifically trained to care and educate children in this critical window of time. They have a solid knowledge of child development and their practice is informed by theory.
Those who choose to study a professional early childhood program learn about the development of the whole child, thus they understand which learning experiences to introduce at a developmentally appropriate time. They discover that learning in the early years is best initiated by the child and guided by the teacher. They are taught to practice observing the interests of the children and extending on their learning by asking questions and promoting related experiences.
Student teachers are required to familiarise themselves with a wide range of literature and resources. Topics often include learning through play, managing challenging behaviours and inclusive practice. Programs which have a strong practical component enable students to immediately connect the theory they’re learning to their teaching. Required reflections help them to develop an awareness of ‘why they’re doing what they’re doing.’
A teacher’s knowledge of Te Whariki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum framework, helps to uphold a level of quality across early childhood centres. It can help teachers to identify their aims and assess if they are adequately responding to children’s needs, as well as ensuring continuity between an early childhood centre and primary school.
By completing a New Zealand-recognised qualification, teachers can apply for registration which joins them to a body of professional teachers. Registration indicates to center owners, colleagues and the community that a teacher has completed a satisfactory qualification and fulfils the criteria of a safe and competent teacher. Registered teachers pledge allegiance to the sector’s Code of Ethics, and have to maintain a practicing certificate every three years, which ensures relevancy of professional knowledge.
Being qualified enhances employability. According to the government’s newly-released Occupation Outlook report (http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/occupational-outlook/pdfs/Early-childhood-teachers.pdf), 87% percent of early childhood graduates were in employment within one year of completing a bachelor’s degree.
Early childhood teaching is a hugely rewarding career – and with qualified teachers, children’s learning and development can be nurtured to their full potential.
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New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) has specialised in providing outstanding early childhood teacher education for over 30 years. Our most recent NZQA external evaluation and review returned the highest possible rating of Highly Confident.
Our students can study from any location in New Zealand through our online learning environment, NZTC Online. We offer a range of programs to suit every type of learner. Graduates of our Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) programs are eligible to apply for teacher registration.
If you’re interested in starting your professional early childhood journey, call us today on (09) 520 4000 or email enrolments@nztertiarycollege.ac.nz.
It’s widely accepted that the early childhood years are the most influential. It is the time when the brain forges trillions of connections between cells; preparing the foundations for lifelong learning. A qualified early childhood teacher is not a ‘child minder’ but a professional, intentional...
It’s widely accepted that the early childhood years are the most influential. It is the time when the brain forges trillions of connections between cells; preparing the foundations for lifelong learning.
A qualified early childhood teacher is not a ‘child minder’ but a professional, intentional educator; specifically trained to care and educate children in this critical window of time. They have a solid knowledge of child development and their practice is informed by theory.
Those who choose to study a professional early childhood program learn about the development of the whole child, thus they understand which learning experiences to introduce at a developmentally appropriate time. They discover that learning in the early years is best initiated by the child and guided by the teacher. They are taught to practice observing the interests of the children and extending on their learning by asking questions and promoting related experiences.
Student teachers are required to familiarise themselves with a wide range of literature and resources. Topics often include learning through play, managing challenging behaviours and inclusive practice. Programs which have a strong practical component enable students to immediately connect the theory they’re learning to their teaching. Required reflections help them to develop an awareness of ‘why they’re doing what they’re doing.’
A teacher’s knowledge of Te Whariki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum framework, helps to uphold a level of quality across early childhood centres. It can help teachers to identify their aims and assess if they are adequately responding to children’s needs, as well as ensuring continuity between an early childhood centre and primary school.
By completing a New Zealand-recognised qualification, teachers can apply for registration which joins them to a body of professional teachers. Registration indicates to center owners, colleagues and the community that a teacher has completed a satisfactory qualification and fulfils the criteria of a safe and competent teacher. Registered teachers pledge allegiance to the sector’s Code of Ethics, and have to maintain a practicing certificate every three years, which ensures relevancy of professional knowledge.
Being qualified enhances employability. According to the government’s newly-released Occupation Outlook report (http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/occupational-outlook/pdfs/Early-childhood-teachers.pdf), 87% percent of early childhood graduates were in employment within one year of completing a bachelor’s degree.
Early childhood teaching is a hugely rewarding career – and with qualified teachers, children’s learning and development can be nurtured to their full potential.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) has specialised in providing outstanding early childhood teacher education for over 30 years. Our most recent NZQA external evaluation and review returned the highest possible rating of Highly Confident.
Our students can study from any location in New Zealand through our online learning environment, NZTC Online. We offer a range of programs to suit every type of learner. Graduates of our Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE) programs are eligible to apply for teacher registration.
If you’re interested in starting your professional early childhood journey, call us today on (09) 520 4000 or email enrolments@nztertiarycollege.ac.nz.
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