MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today welcomed an announcement by the State Government that early childhood teachers will be accredited alongside their peers in NSW schools.
Mr Marshall said that the move further recognised early childhood teachers as professionals who were making an important contribution to the education of our 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.
“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.
“The Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards will distribute information kits to early childhood teachers and services with details on the accreditation process.”
For more information, please visit the website www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au