How will you ensure improved working conditions and support for educators alongside increased community and whānau involvement in ECE environments?
Answer
TOP would improve the working conditions of teachers by further reviewing the child to teacher ratios, reviewing the qualification requirements for owners, reducing the maximum number of children per licence, increasing the minimum space required per child, creating an environmental standard that regulates where services can be located, protecting non-contact hours, reducing administrative requirements, encouraging connection and memory-making, rather than an ‘assessment for justification’ culture, and reinstating professional development subsidies.
TOP will create a system that supports, trains and values educators (parents, whānau, communities and teachers) to care for the whole child. With families and ECE services working together, the burden on teachers being the primary educators of children will be eased, and communities will be more integrated with their local ECE service.