AKA’s high quality early learning programmes are based on Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s National Early Childhood Curriculum.
As explained Ministry of Education (2017), Te Whāriki,
‘Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki) sets out the curriculum to be used in New Zealand early childhood education (ECE) settings and provides guidance for its implementation. Underpinning Te Whāriki is the vision that children are competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society’ (p. 6).
The principles/kaupapa whakahaere of Te Whāriki are:
- Empowerment | Whakamana
- Holistic development | Kotahitanga
- Family and community | Whānau tangata
- Relationships | Ngā hononga
These principles are the foundations of curriculum decision making and a guide for every aspect of pedagogy and practice. Below are the strands of Te Whāriki which provide the framework for a holistic curriculum:
- Wellbeing | Mana atua
- Belonging | Mana whenua
- Contribution | Mana tangata
- Communication | Mana reo
- Exploration | Mana aotūroa
