@JohnS, as an trained early childhood teacher I understand children's development. Do you think a 'untrained really nice person' who cares for your child could tell if your child has a developmental need? what about, god-for-bid, that your child has a disability of some kind, could that 'untrained really nice person' understand the best way to educate that child? NO is the short and right answer, qualified early childhood teachers go through a training process that you could never understand. A degree programme that educates teachers not only looks after, but educate children. Do you think you would know where to start? There are generally 40 children in one session, good luck 'untrained really nice person'

@ #3 You do realise that, as a voter, you don't get to elect the Prime Minister?

Did Charles yell at any of them to "Shut up!"

@#3 Good on you mate totally agree and good to hear your son has a fair idea already to.

@cat11 Yes I am happy to have unqualified teachers, some of the best teachers of children are not qualified - they are called parents. Just because a person has a qualification does not mean they are good at their job, it means thay have been through a training process -

@ Leslie #8, Who cares what you think ! Na na na na na.

Pathetic I know, but a good emulation don't you think. (You can look up the word emulation in the dictionary if you need to).

My son is brainwashed, like a 3 year old one knows about the difference of a liar and an honest man even mum doesn't know what a brainer

@JohnS - so obviously you are happy to have unqualified staff teaching our children at an age where their brain development is at it's most critical? Maybe you should read all the reports put out by the ECE Taskforce and the Children's Commissioner so you can get a handle on what good quality in early childhood education looks like. It is not only "comparatively recently" that qualified ECE teachers took over in kindergartens - they have 100% qualified teachers for decades. Why is it okay for the children of non-paid-working mums/dads to get 100% qualified teachers and those who's parents work and attend education and care services get unqualified carers? It's about equity and it's about spending money now to save money in the future. Screeds of NZ and international research shows that investment in high quality ECE saves money in the long run and creates a better society for all of us.

Hang on. Is that the same Charles Chauvel, who doesnt like kids making noise in planes, smiling and reading to children in a daycare centre ? Are we seriously meant to believe this one, or have Labour's PR machine completely lost the plot.

I think everyone needs to remember that early childhood is the key - NOT John Key! If funding is put into early childhood, as research recommends, then there will be benefits for us all. Our hard earnt tax dollars wont need to be spent of prisons and the like, our children will have better brighter futures. A government that supports early childhood education is vital to a New Zealand of the future! Having qualified teachers ensure children are taught - not just cared for. After how would New Zealand have felt having 80% of the All Blacks playing and 20% keen fans?? Food for thought there!