Kaiako are the key resource in any ECE service. Their primary responsibility is to facilitate children’s learning and development through thoughtful and intentional pedagogy. This means they need a wide range of capabilities. 

These include being: 

• knowledgeable about children’s learning and development and able to identify their varied abilities, strengths, interests, and learning trajectories 
• knowledgeable about theories that underpin effective pedagogy in Te Whāriki, its framework and intent 
• knowledgeable about play-based curriculum and pedagogy and able to conceptualise, plan, and enact curriculum that is motivating, enjoyable, and accessible for all children 
• able to integrate domain knowledge (for example, science and arts knowledge) into the curriculum 
• culturally competent: developing increasing proficiency in the use of te reo and tikanga Māori and able to form responsive and reciprocal relationships with tangata whenua 
• able to support the cultural and linguistic diversity of all children as part of promoting an inclusive environment 
• able to engage in dialogue with parents, whānau, and communities to understand their priorities for curriculum and learning 
• attentive to learning and able to make this visible through assessment practices that give children agency and enhance their mana 
• inclusive, enabling all children to learn with and alongside their peers 
• knowledgeable about and able to try alternative ways to support and progress children’s learning and development 
• role models for languages and learning, both as individuals and as members of collaborative teams 
• role models for practices that support their own health and wellbeing and that of others 
• able to establish and maintain relationships that enable professional collaboration with others, including other kaiako in their ECE setting, school teachers, and specialist services 
• thoughtful and reflective about what they do, using evidence, critical inquiry and problem solving to shape their practice 
• committed to ongoing professional development that has a positive impact on children’s learning. 

Promoting and supporting the ongoing learning and development of kaiako is a key responsibility of educational leaders.