Children learn a huge amount in the first years of their lives. Participating in quality early childhood education strengthens this early learning and lays a strong foundation for later success.

All early learning education services are required to deliver a curriculum that empowers young children to be confident and competent learners. The framework for this curriculum is set out in Te Whāriki.

Each services weaves a local curriculum (or whāriki) based on the principles, strands, goals and learning outcomes found in Te Whāriki. When deciding which areas to focus on, teachers take into account the interests, strengths and needs of the children and aspirations of parents, whānau and community.

Te Whāriki supports every child to be strong in his or her identity, language and culture.