THE STATE government has recognised early childhood teachers as professionals and will accredit them alongside all teachers in New South Wales schools.
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To be eligible for accreditation, an early childhood teacher will need to provide evidence of approved qualifications, two forms of identification and a current working with children check clearance.
Glen Innes Pre School Director Robyn Cartwright said this is a positive move because in the eyes of the public early childhood teachers will now be recognised along with their public school counterparts.
“We will now be recognised as professionals and that is important because we have not had that accreditation in the past,” she said.
“We work just as hard as public school teachers, we work the same hours, the same terms and we are funded by the same department, therefore we should be accredited under the same guidelines and now we will be with this change.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said that the move further recognised early childhood teachers were making an important contribution to the education of children.
“It ensures that from this year all NSW teachers will meet the same high standards,” he said.
"The government is recognising that early childhood teachers are professionals – they are university trained, passionate about children and dedicated to educational development.
“Accrediting all teachers, from early childhood through to high school, is a key factor in our efforts to build on the expertise in the profession.”
Mr Marshall said that NSW accredited teachers not only had the recognised qualifications, they also agreed to ongoing training to improve their teaching and, as a result, outcomes for their students.
“Importantly, the policy to accredit early childhood teachers has been developed in close consultation with the early childhood sector and it’s an issue which has frequently been raised with me by local pre-school directors and staff,” he said.
“The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards will distribute information kits to early childhood teachers and services with details on the accreditation process.