My project funded by the NZEI scholarship is all about emotional literacy. In 2023 I completed a master’s thesis entitled ‘Hā ki roto, hā ki waho; a bicultural kindergarten’s experiences in implementing He Māpuna te Tamaiti’. I applied for the scholarship so that I could continue to build my knowledge in this vital area but also so that I could share what I am learning!
I have been able to meet with a wonderful mentor and infant mental health specialist, Judy Hunter, once a month and cover topics including attachment, attunement, and emotional regulation. This has been a fantastic opportunity and means I get to learn new things each month.
The project mahi is so interwoven with my position as kaiako matua in a kindergarten that each really feeds the other. The funding has meant I have been able to build up a small library of pukapuka that I will be able to share with local kaiako which will also ensure this opportunity gives back.
I have been learning so much more about kaiako self-regulation and stress than I expected to and know that this is really the foundation for us. We can’t help coregulate tamariki from a disregulated place. My next part of the plan is to host an emotional regulation PLD day here in Whakatū to share my learning and support kaiako in their own journeys.
One huge thing I would share with kaiako is to really look at who you are, how you cope with difficult situations, and where you can feed into your own emotional wellbeing. It can be hard for us to switch from always looking out for tamariki to look internally but it makes such a huge difference!
The 2026 scholarship applications round opened on Saturday 2 February 2025 and close on Friday 2 May 2025.
The scholarships are set up to advance the strategic direction of NZEI Te Riu Roa by providing an opportunity for early childhood education and support staff members to enhance their skills and knowledge within the workplace and in education generally.
Find out more and apply here.
