Early childhood teachers have painted a grim picture of the state of their sector.

An Office of Early Childhood Education survey has found more than 70 percent of teachers believe the industry will get worse in the future.

Early Childhood New Zealand Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe told Kate Hawkesby the survey results aren't surprising.

She says there is chronic under-funding, teacher shortages and they're overburdened with standards and regulations.

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