Childcare courses

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 24

Childcare courses

Sir,—With reference to your article (March 18), "Longer training idea welcomed,” we would like to clarify the following. It is the childcare training courses which we hope will come under the auspices of teachers colleges. At present three teachers’ Colleges have a oneyear course for training in childcare. Most childcare training, however, is fieldbased (on the job), and run by a variety of organisations. This form of training should continue, but in future come under teachers’ colleges so that all forms of training are of equal quality and status. Kindergarten training is only available in teachers colleges (at present a two-year course). For many years it has been recommended training for early childhood be extended to three years preservice training. It is heartening that the Roper Report (Ministerial Inquiry into Violence) recognises the value of early childhood education and recommends “that there be an immediate increase in the length of training for kindergarten teachers and childcare workers.” — Yours, etc.,

ANNIE TANNER, (National executive member), SHEILA FENTON, (vice-president), N.Z. Free Kindergarten Teachers’ Association. March 20, 1987.