Early childhood education (ECE) has now become a mainstay in the New Zealand culture, with the widely held community beliefs of the benefit of early childhood education and the success of future generations. Being such a topic of interest for parents, families and governments, much research has been conducted into the benefits of ECE and training for our children. Providing a "jump-start" to their educational journeys, research has shown that children enrolled in early childhood courses outperform those who do not in both mathematical and reading skills, as well as increased cognitive processing. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found in their recent research program into the multiplier effect of early childhood education, that those attending such courses develop a better educational platform from which to further their education in subsequent learning institutions throughout their life, as well as benefiting from better work opportunities in the long term. This piece of research went further to state that those attending such facilities are better able to socialise and relate to others; and this correlates to more socially competent individuals, both in their childhood and adulthood.
In contrast to the benefits of ECE is the current shortage in New Zealand of suitably qualified personnel to fill the required positions. According to research by Le Quesne, there has been a 32% increase in the numbers of children enrolled in licensed early childhood centres over the past decade. With this increasing demand is a correlating demand for qualified teachers to support the increasing numbers. In reaction to this widening gap of demand and supply, the government is proactively encouraging the increased uptake of ECE training and it's career path.
Early childhood education training prepares and equips students with all the necessary skills and knowledge to educate the next generation of New Zealanders. On completion, graduates will possess a comprehensive range of abilities across key elements of ECE providing them with long-term career prospects in a rewarding sector. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the early childhood education curriculum, the interpersonal skills required interacting and communicating with children and their families, understanding the basic psychology of childhood growth and development, developing skills and attitudes required of an effective communicator and teacher, along with the regulatory requirements that impact upon the ECE sector. Be a fundamental part in the development of tomorrow's movers, shakers and leaders and enrol in a course of early childhood education today.
