Do three year olds need 100% teachers?

An interesting op ed in the Herald by Fiona Hughes of Kidicorp:

The Government decision to not have 100 per cent qualified teachers in early childhood education is a good one. …

The Budget decision to get rid of 100 per cent teachers in early childhood education is practical and informed. Qualified teachers play a vital role in child development and so do quality carers. Centres need nanas too.

Quality childcare starts with qualified teachers but it doesn’t end there. Early childhood education is not just about education but quality care and this care may come from someone who doesn’t have a three-year degree. This doesn’t make them unsuitable to look after children. …

Suggesting to those who have no qualifications but whom have a wonderful love of children that they don’t know how to support children’s learning is unfair. A mum and grandmother of 20 years can be a wonderful asset in a childcare centre with her calm and practical knowledge. …

Centres don’t need a qualified teacher changing nappies but you do need them to observe children and look at how they might extend their learning.

A skilled qualified teacher is invaluable with observing a child and then knowing how to extend the child’s learning, so an interest in a chrysalis can turn into an appreciation of the whole cycle of a butterfly.

Unqualified carers in a centre play a different role to qualified teachers but it’s still a worthy role.

Sounds reasonable to me.