Early childhood education leaders say the Government's funding cuts could create a two-tier early childhood system.
Last month, higher funding rates were cut for services where more than 80% of teachers are qualified.
The sector's leaders say poor communities are unlikely to be able to afford the extra cost of maintaining a 100% qualified workforce.
They warn that could undermine the Government's efforts to increase participation among disadvantaged groups and say unqualified teachers are more likely to be assigned to childrend aged under two.
