What is Early Learning?
It is becoming increasingly common for early childhood education centres to call themselves “early learning centres.”
The term “early learning” now appears frequently in Government press releases and Ministry of Education communications with the sector.
Legally, however, there is no such thing as an “early learning service.” All services are licensed as early childhood education services.
Te Whāriki, our national curriculum, views children as competent learners. That idea is turned upside down when we refer to children as “early learners,” because the term suggests they are at the very beginning of learning and rather than already capable, curious and developing knowledge every day.
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, early learning and early childhood education are not the same thing.
Why do officials and political leaders talk about and use the term “early learning”?
Government agencies often use “early learning” because of an underlying assumption that early childhood services mainly provide care while parents work. In this view, the teacher’s role is downplayed and devalued, and the focus shifts to learning as something informal, incomplete or incidental.
This contrasts with schools, where teaching is central and teachers are expected to show clear impact on children’s knowledge, thinking and skills.
What is ‘early learning’?
Early learning can happen anywhere – in a carpark, at the supermarket, in the bathroom, or while watching television. It can occur through interactions with adults, other children or even animals. It can also arise from negative experiences, such as emotional deprivation or insecure attachment.
In other words, early learning includes any natural, unstructured learning that happens spontaneously. It does not require a teacher, an intentional plan or a curriculum. It is simply the learning that occurs before a child reaches any level of competence in a particular area.
Why early learning is effortless for kids
Because no one has to teach them how to find trouble – it’s their natural talent! 😆
Why a child doesn’t need a teacher for early learning
Because they can master saying the “F” word and “doing up jacket buttons unevenly” all on their own! 😂
Because no one has to teach kids how to turn a couch into a trampoline – they just know! 
Because no one has to teach them that crayons taste weird – but they still tried! 
Funny, right?
But, jokes aside, quality education deserves serious thought.
What is early childhood education?
Early childhood education is different to early learning. ECE is intentional, relational and grounded in professional knowledge about child development and pedagogy. Teachers design environments, interactions and experiences that support children to grow as confident, capable and connected learners. ECE is not just about learning happening – it is about education happening.
A question for you:
Is “early learning” really all we should aspire to? Or should we continue to uphold the vision of children as competent learners, supported by skilled teachers and educators who understand how to help them thrive?
We’d love to hear your view on this topic, add a comment or reply below.
READ MORE:
- Defining early childhood education
- The politics of early childhood education in which the author states: “The Ministry of Education is using the moniker “early learning” more and more in all its written and spoken communication about early childhood education. It’s adoption is believed by officials to have stemmed back to discussions within its ECE team about being inclusive of playgroups. Playgroups do not need to offer the national early childhood education curriculum (Te Whāriki) or be led by degree qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council.”
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