NZEI Applauds Major Education Announcement

NZEI Te Riu Roa, the early childhood teachers union, applauds the
governments major announcement that it is to provide free education
for three and four year old children at non profit, community-run
early childhood education centres.
It was announced in the Budget that from January 1, 2007, 3 and 4
year old children will receive 20 hours of free education a week if
they attend one of the countrys 875 non profit, community run early
childhood education centres. Kindergartens already provide free early
childhood education.

"This is a major announcement because it means far more children in
New Zealand will be able to receive quality early childhood
education," says NZEI Te Riu Roa National President, Colin Tarr.

"Research clearly shows the educational and social benefits of early
childhood education. It improves childrens reading and maths skills
and their ability to relate to other children and adults."

"Early childhood education also supports families, making it easier
for those where both parents work. It also helps those without work
take part in job training or in adult education. The increased
provision of childcare subsidies provided in the Budget will provide
additional help for these families."

"Providing free education for young children is a sound investment in
New Zealands future. It is good for children, for families, for
society and for the economy," says Colin Tarr.

NZEI also welcomes the extra funding announced in The Budget for
early childhood education centres that have a high number of
qualified teachers and the extra money to enable centres to meet the
target of having all their teachers qualified and registered by 2012.

"Early childhood education centres with qualified teachers deliver a
better quality education for their children," says Colin Tarr.

NZEI members are pleased with the changes to early childhood
education funding announced in The Budget. This will see the
Government inject more money into centres to cover increased fixed
costs which will help ensure they arent passed onto parents through
increased fees.

"The new funding system will enable centres to enhance the quality of
their service by employing qualified teachers and lowering the ratio
of teachers to children," says Colin Tarr.

"New Zealand is developing a world class reputation for providing
quality public and community based early childhood education. NZEI
members want to see these services made available to all New Zealand
children free of charge. They welcome the steps this Budget
announcements make towards fulfilling that goal," says Colin Tarr.