Published on 20th of August, 2023
Issues with emotional regulation have become commonplace across the ECE sector in New Zealand, with 25% of respondents in the New Zealand Early Childhood Educator and Kōhanga Reo Hauora Health and Wellbeing Survey reporting having been subjected to physical violence from tamariki.
Research studies show that self-regulation skills can be improved with “regular, high-quality practice” and that children with better self-regulation skills make better decisions more often. This means that they are able to function more effectively in a wider range of situations, leading to more positive outcomes across their lifespan.
In recent times the number of tamariki at Aratupu Preschool & Whānau Hub with high needs and complexity has increased dramatically, with a high proportion of tamariki struggling with emotional regulation. This results in frequent disruptive and at times severe behaviour.
Aratupu teachers have developed a programme to support these tamariki to develop the self-regulation skills they lack. Specifically, our Kaiako have identified the need to create more intimate spaces for tamariki with additional learning needs to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Additionally, they have recognised the need to increase the number and range of suitable sensory items at the Centre that help tamariki to find their calm.
A donation to Aratupu will significantly help these children. You can support this initiative by selecting Aratupu from the dropdown menu at www.mmsi.org.nz/donate
