Why talk about Gen AI in ECE?

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, including in educational settings. What matters most is not whether AI will be part of ECE, but how we respond and engage with it thoughtfully. We will explore how AI might support or challenge your work as kaiako in practice.

The aim is to empower you to critically engage with AI tools, making informed decisions for you and your tamariki at your centres.

How do early childhood teachers uphold their obligations to the Treaty of Waitangi in relation the inclusion of Māori ways of being, doing and knowing in curriculum.

This presentation focuses on the cultural competency of tangata whenuatanga for ECE kaiako. All kaiako have the obligation to uphold Te Tiriti of Waitangi and provide culturally responsive environments and equitable outcomes for Māori. This presentation will share the findings of a small qualitiative research study into how two ECE teams understood and practice tangata whenuatanga in their settings. It is hoped that by sharing the stories of kaiako, this will inform and support early childhood teachers in this area of practice.

The Maramataka Māori is our Māori lunar calendar which is based on the moon phases that appear every day of every month. As the moon affects the changing of the tides so does it affect us in ways that contribute to our health and well-being. The workshop will provide you knowledge on how to understand the maramataka, so you be more aware and plan ahead not only for you personally but in your role as kaiako when supporting tamariki in their learning environment.

Titiro whakamuri kokiri whakamua
Look back and reflect so you can move forward

This Māori whakatauki/proverb positions the perspectives of time: past, present, and future as intertwined, acknowledging that the past is central to understanding who we are personally and professionally. It is fitting to draw on this whakatauki to set the scene for this workshop as participants will be supported to make connections between their personal experiences and their leadership practice through a range of interactive activities. Using the Whatu metaphor (Hiha, 2015) as a philosophical framework the workshop will encourage leaders to explore the idea that they do not leave their personal experiences, beliefs and values at the door when they enter leadership roles. This workshop has been adapted from a three-part leadership professional development programme, alongside recent research which revealed how leaders used self-awareness to enhance their leadership practice.

Working theories are a key learning outcome of Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki. However, little research has been undertaken to understand how young children develop and form their working theories.

In this workshop, I draw on a qualitative research project to offer a model which illustrates how young children do so. In particular, I will use the model to unpack one young child’s developing understandings about jumping and other associated working theories that were developed at the same time. Using the model can then enable a deeper appreciation of the complexity of working theory development, leading to the beginnings of strategies to better foster and support young children’s working theory formation.

Ever wondered how babies’ brains work and why knowing this is important?

A baby’s brain is highly malleable which means it has a remarkable ability to change with experience. How you interact with babies matters because these experiences will shape their brains. Knowing how babies’ brains work will enable you to be more aware of how your relationships with babies can make a positive difference to their development, learning and life! In this workshop you will learn more about the makeup of the brain, the functions of each part, and their influence on growth and interactions. Join us in this learning through kōrero and hands-on, interactive experiences.

This presentation explores how early childhood centres can move beyond surface gestures of biculturalism toward authentic, Tiriti-honouring transformation. Grounded in the Poua te Aroha framework, the session focuses on three interconnected pou — Pou Mātauranga (integration of mātauranga Māori in curriculum and assessment), Pou Taiao (creating culturally responsive environments that affirm Māori identity and belonging), and Pou Tautoko (developing culturally appropriate systems of support for kaiako, tamariki, and whānau).

Drawing from kaupapa Māori research and professional practice, the presentation will share practical tools such as the Pou Reflection Tool and SMART goal planning templates that help leaders and kaiako critically evaluate where their centre sits on the continuum from symbolic compliance to authentic transformation. Through shared kōrero, case examples, and reflective dialogue, participants will explore how to strengthen Tiriti-based partnerships with mana whenua and embed Māori values as the foundation of everyday pedagogy and leadership.

Ultimately, this session positions transformation as a collective act of aroha and responsibility — one that requires courage, relational leadership, and sustained commitment to Māori ways of knowing, being, and doing

Our early childhood spaces reflect who we are as a learning community – curious, functional, diverse, and beautiful! This workshop will explore ways we can set up our environments to spark joy and wonder, and to honour the need for us all to feel safe and connected in our early learning spaces.  We’ll unpack ideas around biophilic design, rituals, sensory stimulation, infant and toddler spaces, and inspire participants to get creative using readily available materials, including those drawn from upcycled and natural sources.