A Māori and Pacific lens on infant and toddler provision in early childhood education

Abstract

While New Zealand has made major advances in educational provision, Mäori and Pacific chil- dren continue to lag behind other groups, achieving disproportionately lower results on national averages (Marriot & Sim, 2014). Key to educational success for Mäori and Pasifika children is the acknowledgement that they are culturally located and the recognition that effective education must embrace culture. Early childhood education has an important role in building strong learn- ing foundations for young children; however, achieving this is a complex process, especially with regard to Mäori and Pacific children in early childhood education. This article outlines findings from a 2014 nationwide online survey conducted with Mäori and Pacific teachers working in Mäori and Pacific early childhood services and language nests. Respondents were asked about traditional and contemporary caregiving practices for infants and toddlers and what barriers and enablers were faced in implementing these caregiving practices within their services.