Preschool closure angers community

A childcare centre run by a teacher with 23 years' preschool teaching experience has been forced to close because her qualifications do not meet new state standards.

The Raetihi and District Pre-school in the central North Island - which caters for 45 children - has been shut down and will not be allowed to reopen until the community finds a teacher who meets the new Ministry of Education qualification standards.

Although the centre's teacher, Tammy Tangaroa, has 23 years' preschool teaching experience and a childcare qualification, she cannot continue to run the centre because she does not meet the Ministry's strict criteria.

In 2000, the Ministry ruled that by 2004 teachers in charge of early childhood centres must hold a Diploma of Teaching (ECE), regardless of any other qualifications or experience.

Before that deadline, acting education minister Steve Maharey said he did not expect any preschools would have to close.

However, because of a chronic shortage of qualified teachers, many early childhood centres have struggled to find qualified staff and have been granted provisional licences to continue operating.

Despite the Raetihi community pleading with the ministry and Education Minister Trevor Mallard to allow them to continue operating under a provisional licence, it was cancelled in May.

Parents Steve and Rosalie Dowman say the ministry has refused to listen to the community. The centre had spent more than a year and thousands of dollars trying to find a qualified teacher, Mrs Dowman said.

Mr Mallard refused to speak to the Herald on Sunday about the issue but in an emailed response said: "While a person may have 20 years' experience working in early childhood education, the understanding of child development and best teaching practice has changed dramatically over this time.

"Experience is important, especially in providing educational leadership for a service, but so is up-to-date knowledge and understanding of child development and teaching practice."

He said the ministry would continue to work with the steering committee and the Raetihi community to find solutions.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY