Early Childhood Education in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand is one of the countries with the best education system in the world. This article describes how the early childhood education system in New Zealand is child-friendly. This is a library study and field observation. The data was collected through examining books, documents, and other relevant sources. The findings in this study show that education for children under the age of 5 in New Zealand is known as Early Childhood Education (ECE). The ECE curriculum acknowledges that all children have the right to protection, health, well-being, equitable access, learning opportunities, recognition of language, culture and identity, and to self-determination in life. There are two types of ECE, namely teacher-led services dan parent-led services. The education system in New Zealand is child-friendly because it has standardized buildings, a tailored curriculum, implements a contextual learning system, and involved families and communities.