The government has established two working groups aiming to improve the quality of Early Childhood Education (ECE).
The two groups of eight members each, will concert their efforts respectively on ‘Improving quality of ECE services sector-wide’ and ‘Improving quality of ECE services for children aged less than two years.’
Education minister Hekia Parata said that the working groups comprised experts in the field with proven experience.
“We are taking action to make sure all early childhood education services are of the highest possible quality. The early years of children’s lives are crucial for learning and development and our children deserve the best education,” she said in a statement.
Ms Parata said some services were of good quality but the involvement of experts was essential to effect improvements in all services.
She said that an independent ECE Taskforce report (‘An Agenda for Amazing Children’) released in June 2011 had emphasised the need for early childhood education to be of consistent high quality.
“Children, parents and whanau need such quality. Parents told us during consultation that they wanted to be assured of quality care and education of their children in the best possible environment. They wanted stronger action where services are of poor quality. They also wanted more information and service accountability,” Ms Parata said.
The ECE advisory groups will provide advice on improving quality of ECE services sector-wide.
“The advisory groups comprise people who understand the issues and challenges of ECE. I look forward to the practical and workable solutions from the groups,” she said.
Among the members of the ‘Improving quality of ECE services sector-wide are
Alex Gunn, Carol Stovold, Clare Wells, Fiona Hughes, Janice Taouma, Karla Tardieu, Maureen Woodhams and Nancy Bell.
Members of the ‘Improving quality of ECE services for children aged less than two years Advisory Group are Carmen Dalli, Dr Janis Carroll-Lind, Jayne White, Jean Rockel, Karen Shields, Lorraine Sands, Nadine Wishnowsky and Natasha Kibble.
