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About learning support in the early years#
Supporting the learning needs of all children is part of Te Whāriki, the early learning curriculum. Te Whāriki sets the foundation for all children, including those with diverse needs.
Prioritising inclusion – with a focus on education for all – Tāhūrangi
Sometimes children need additional support with:
- learning
- communication
- social-emotional development
- sensory needs.
They may need help with some or all of these.
You can access specialist support services for children in an early learning setting, school and kura. Learning support in the early years can be for an individual or for a group of children. Support can be provided across home, early learning services, and as the learner transitions to school or kura.
Support is provided by us or by contracted providers and can include:
- early intervention teachers
- teacher aides
- speech-language therapists
- kaitakawaenga (Māori cultural advisors)
- advisers on Deaf children (aoDC)
- psychologists
- education support workers.
Who this will involve will depend on the identified needs of the children and teacher.
Early Intervention Service#
The Early Intervention Service (EIS) is a learning support service for children with additional developmental, communication or behavioural needs. From Term 1 2026, Early Intervention Services (EIS) is expanding to support children from birth through to the end of Year 1 of school. Currently, EIS ends when a child starts school.
Current EIS supports remain available to early learning services and there is no change to how EIS referrals are made.
The Service Journey graphic in the Resources section below shows how learners can be supported from early childhood up to the end of Year 1 at school. It outlines key steps, who’s involved and what happens at each stage to help children thrive in their learning journey.
How to get support#
If the support is for an individual, talk to the parents or caregivers first. You need permission from the parents to request support and share information about the child with us. The parent or caregiver will be our main point of contact once you have made the request for support. Children do not need a diagnosis to access learning support.
Sharing personal information to protect children in early learning
Contact your regional office or the learning support person you typically connect with. They will connect you with a learning support team member based on the needs of your child or children.
Resources#
Flexible and integrated supports – He Pikorua
He Pikorua is the practice framework for the Ministry of Education and RTLB learning support practitioners.
