New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand, yet in education it is often positioned as relevant only for Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. The NZSL Board highlights the importance of ensuring tamariki have access to language during the key language learning years. This article explores ...

The uses of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) is of increasing interest in early childhood education (ECE). However, a recent step-change in the uptake of such technologies is giving rise to ever-more questions of the ethics and professional consequences of using all kinds of technologies in ...

This article presents the hybridisation model of leadership (HMOL), a resource to support culturally relevant leadership practice for early childhood education (ECE) centre managers. The model draws on data from a PhD research study involving 20 early ECE centre managers in two geographical areas of England. Semistructured interviews were analysed ...

In this issue we bring attention to the multifaceted experiences of early childhood education (ECE) kaiako and leaders who support diverse learners in Aotearoa New Zealand. Against the backdrop of proposed educational policy changes, including ECE regulatory reforms explored in Early Childhood Folio 2025, 29(2), articles in this issue highlight ...

With concerns of the potential push-down of academic school readiness pedagogies following revisions of the New Zealand Curriculum for schools, this research team sought to make apparent to others how early childhood kaiako of infants and toddlers are already weaving together diverse pedagogies to support tamariki learning dispositions and learning ...

This case study explores inclusive education through the experience of Daisy, a Deaf child in a New Zealand kindergarten, highlighting that true inclusion extends beyond access and into equity in experience and in outcome. Guided by the Aotearoa Deaf Community’s social model of disability, the study illustrates how kaiako, whānau ...

This article is premised on a view that early childhood education (ECE) is a public good and a child’s right. As such, there is no place for ECE services to be treated as a private commodity that is bought and sold in the marketplace. Yet, despite policies to transform its ...

Of great concern within the Ministry for Regulation’s 2024 Regulatory Review of Early Childhood Education report was recommendation number 10 that aims for greater flexibility in qualifications within the early childhood education (ECE) workforce. The recommendation directly undermines current policy objectives within the Early Learning Action Plan (2019–2029) which aspire ...

This article examines how government policies have undermined equity and access in early childhood care and education in Aotearoa. While flaxroots initiatives have historically fostered inclusive, community-centred, low- or no-cost early childhood models, recent policies favouring commercial providers have intensified disparities, particularly for Māori and Pacific communities. The analysis situates ...