ECE Task Force Report could be meatier - ABC Childcare

The final report of the Government’s ECE Taskforce does not go far enough according to ABC Learning Centres. 

Speaking on Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report, ABC CEO Rob Facer says it is promising that the report recognises the value of investment in ECE and the need for quality outcomes, however he believes the sector was, on the whole, expecting more.

“The report is called ‘An Agenda for Amazing Children’ yet recommends regulating for only a minimum of 80% registered staff in teacher-led, centre-based services.

“This is the only education sector as far as I’m aware where less than 100% is acceptable.”

ABC is the country’s largest private provider of centre-based ECE with 127 centres around the country and is actively working towards a 100% qualified teacher base.

“Almost 80% of our teachers hold a recognised ECE qualification, a little over 20% are in training and the remaining 3.2% is made up of either primary-trained or unqualified educators.”

Facer believes ABC is already well ahead of the game in much of what is recommended and he is very much heartened to see these initiatives given formal weight by the task force.

“Our staff enjoy heavily subsidised childcare, we have a firm strategic commitment to professional development and we are at the forefront of building leadership capacity.”

Facer notes the report reiterates the link between the quality of a child’s early years with productive achievements as they grow.

“Education excellence is therefore critically important for the children in our care, their whanau, their communities and indeed the country.”

Facer is due to meet with the other major private ECE providers tomorrow to discuss the implications of the report as well as the fiscal budget.