The incoming government is facing pressure to sort out pay equity for early childhood teachers

An Education Ministry accounting mistake underestimated the cost of a settlement by 253 million dollars.

NZEI says the teachers are underpaid - considering the importance of a child's first 1000 days.

National Secretary Stephanie Mills says there are many misconceptions about how vital the sector is.

She says people don't tend to lend much credit to the educational importance of early childhood centres.