Early Childhood Education

Course Components

Families in New Zealand

Forming successful relationships with parents, families/whanau is essential to the development of young children in early childhood education and care in New Zealand.  With this as a driving principle, the students are first introduced to the different family forms and, analyse how as a societal structure, families in New Zealand have evolved over time in response to changes in society. The students then examine the diversity of New Zealand families and relate this to the development of early childhood education and care services.

The module will then proceed to look closely into major influences on parenthood in the last 100 years in New Zealand. It will investigate different parenting approaches and influences to such differences. Transition to parenthood issues will also be discussed with reference to current research and literature on transition to parenthood. The possible impacts of parenthood issues on parenthood and child rearing practices will be analysed and the range of supports available in New Zealand will be identified. The roles of state, community and family/whanau in relation to parenting will be explored.

The module then examines the impact of the different cultures represented in a specific New Zealand early childhood setting.  It seeks to help students identify cultural sensitivities that need to be considered in a range of early childhood contexts. Beliefs, values and cultures of the different ethnicities in New Zealand are examined, with an emphasis on Maori culture, values and language.

Students are to identify situations that may indicate differences in expectations and cultural practices while on practicum.  They are also to identify situations in which cultural insensitivity may be in breach of the Human Rights Act 1993.  Terms and practices like illegal discrimination, prohibited grounds, exclusions are described and examples where breaches may occur in an early childhood setting are identified and discussed.  They are to reflect on such situations with a view to improving practice.

The module closes with an examination of strategies to promote cultural sensitivity in an early childhood setting.  Students are to identify and describe activities, resources and practices that promote cultural understanding, tolerance and respect.