3-B-1 The link between teacher registration and funding
Introduction
There are teacher registration requirements for teacher-led, education and care services.
Registered teachers
For funding purposes, ‘registered teachers’ must be ECE qualified teachers or New Zealand qualified primary teachers.
Note: New Zealand qualified and registered primary teachers can be included in your service's funding claim from 1 November 2010.
Becoming registered
Early childhood teachers who hold a New Zealand Teachers Council- approved ECE degree, graduate diploma, or Diploma of Teaching (ECE) may apply to the New Zealand Teachers Council to become a registered teacher.
Equivalent qualifications
For a list of Teachers Council approved qualifications and providers, please visit the TeachNZ website or call 0800 TeachNZ (0800 832 246), or seek advice from the New Zealand Teachers Council.
Funding and teacher registration lapses
Where a registered teacher’s registration lapses, they may continue to be counted as registered on the Staff Hour Count from the date they submitted their application for registration renewal to the New Zealand Teachers Council. This period must not exceed three months. Services accessing this provision must keep a copy of the completed application, which must be signed and dated by the centre supervisor or manager. Any teacher applying for registration renewal must provide their employer service with a copy of the completed application.
If, after three months, registration renewal has not been approved the teacher must be counted as ‘other’ on the Staff Hour Count. Should registration renewal be declined, the Ministry will recover any associated funding.
Primary and secondary teachers
Primary and secondary school teachers who would like to become ECE qualified teachers may enrol in a one year Graduate Diploma of Teaching (ECE). For further advice, contact TeachNZ by visiting the TeachNZ website or calling 0800 TeachNZ (0800 832 246).
Overseas qualifications
Teachers who hold overseas qualifications must have their qualifications evaluated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) if they wish to become a registered ECE teacher.
Contact the NZQA Qualification Evaluation Service on (04) 802 3000 or refer to the NZQA website for further details.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Services may employ people who are not yet qualified early childhood teachers. These people may have previous qualifications and other learning that can be assessed for credit towards a programme of teacher education. This process is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Contact the NZQA Qualification Evaluation Service on (04) 802 3000 or refer to the NZQA website for further details.