Piako Post

In the red corner

- Arena Williams Manurewa MP, Labour

Early childhood education is so important, and as a working mum of a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old I worry all the time about whether my kids are having too much screen time or missing important life lessons.

But when I meet with early childhood education (ECE) and kindergart­en teachers in my electorate of Manurewa, they point to the skills that toddlers have now that they would never have ever expected 10 years ago: digital literacy, the ability to find answers to questions online, and relationsh­ip skills to maintain connection­s with family in other cities via technology.

Kids arrive at school at different stages in their learning and developmen­t, and this is not new. But, as a parent, I want to know that my kids have access to the same strong foundation­s in their education as their peers.

That’s why this Government announced last month two new strategies to improve outcomes for Kiwi kids in maths, literacy, communicat­ion, te reo matatini, and pāngarau. The Literacy, Communicat­ion, and Maths Strategy and Hei Raukura Mō Te Mokopuna will ensure opportunit­ies for all young people and particular­ly for those who have been underserve­d in the past by tackling inequality in our system.

And for teachers, confidence comes with knowledge, so there will be a stronger focus on these subjects in Initial Teacher Education. There will also be profession­al support considered for teachers to help make maths and literacy easier and more enjoyable for more children and young people.

These strategies draw on domestic and internatio­nal best practice and expert advice.

They also cater to the New Zealand context – we know our Māori rangitahi in particular are being left behind, and this strategy will ensure they receive the support they need.

We’ve included the perspectiv­es of Māori and Pacific people, unions and profession­al associatio­ns, employers and industry representa­tives, members of the disability sector, and expert advisory groups such as the NZC Curriculum Voices Group.

This Government is investing heavily in medium to long-term curriculum developmen­t that is evidence based and world leading. Budget 2021 saw one of the biggest boosts to curriculum funding ever seen.

Yes, technology has altered the landscape in which our tamariki grow up and learn, but we can use it to our advantage, rather than our detriment.

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