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ChildForum is delighted to be leading an initiative to offer the Men in Early Childhood Education Invitation Award to show men they are wanted and valued in the early childhood sector.

Adam Buckingham, former president of EC Menz a group for men working in ECE, personally supported the initiative when it was launched in 2013 and said it was a most welcome one. “EC-Menz has lobbied for initiatives to increase numbers of men teaching in early childhood education, so this is great news,” he said.

“It is a great step to move towards gender diversity in early childhood education. This will benefit children. As more men work in the sector, more children can experience male teachers working alongside women.”  

Adam died too soon at 49 years from cancer in Feb 2015 and it is important that we continue to offer the Award in memory of Adam and his life's work. 

A national survey of the early childhood sector showed strong support for more men to be involved in early childhood teaching and for initiatives to be implemented to help this to happen (click here to read more).

The 2012 survey revealed that it was believed that better representation of men in teaching would be of benefit to children’s learning and social development, raise quality within the sector in various ways including improving staff dynamics by having a mixed gender team, and help Dads feel more comfortable staying with their child and participating in the ECE programme.

Will you offer to be a sponsor?

Early childhood education service providers, training providers, organisations, and individuals keen to show their support through sponsoring one or more $400 invitation grants are asked to contact ChildForum - Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Men - are you thinking of training to become a fully qualified ECE teacher?

Interested men can apply to ChildForum.  Criteria for applicants and a copy of the application form is provided below.

Invitation Award

The Invitation Award comprises of:
• A grant of $400.00 to go toward the cost of study provided by a Sponsor.
• A 12-month ChildForum Early Childhood Network membership ($98.00).

Award applicants may be based anywhere in NZ but must meet each of the following criteria:
• Be male.
• Be born in NZ or have full NZ residency.
• Provide proof of acceptance by a NZ public tertiary education institution into an ECE diploma or degree programme leading to a qualification recognised by the Education Council of NZ for working as a certificated teacher in early childhood education.
• Be about to commence teacher education study or enrolled in a teacher education programme for not more than 60 days from the date of course commencement.
• Not have applied for or been granted any other scholarship or grant other than a student allowance to assist with the costs of teacher training.

Note that ChildForum reserves the right not to grant the Award to any applicant and in any year. It will not enter into discussions or provide explanations.

Click here to download a copy of the application form