Editorial: Child health and wellbeing are inextricably linked with early education – research from across the sector
FULL REFERENCE: Young, L. and Gerritsen, S. (2021). Editorial. Child health and wellbeing are inextricably linked with early education: research from across the sector. NZ International Research in Early Childhood Education Journal, 23(2), 1 – 3.
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This special issue on Health and Wellbeing in the New Zealand Research in Early Childhood Education Journal has elicited papers on a range of topics, representing viewpoints from a mix of disciplines related to the health and wellbeing of our young children. The breadth of articles demonstrates that many factors contribute to child health and wellbeing, and how interwoven these are with early education. The research presented in this special issue highlights areas to strengthen the vital contribution early education environments make to the health and wellbeing of young children.
The series begins with a commentary paper from Lisa Baker, Lindsay Oades and Bridie Ravan, titled Well-being literacy and early education which provides an excellent introduction to the theme of this special issue by signaling the important role of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) in laying strong foundations for learning and wellbeing throughout life. Since wellbeing has multiple facets, contexts, and framing depending on the discipline, the authors propose Wellbeing Literacy as a new way to conceptualise wellbeing within ECEC to develop wellbeing ‘capability’ in children.
