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.

How to get support for a child#

Talk to the parents or caregivers of the child 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 the child.

Regional offices

He Pikorua#

Flexible and integrated supports – He Pikorua

He Pikorua is the practice framework for the Ministry of Education and RTLB learning support practitioners.

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, the EIS has expanded to support children from birth through to the end of Year 1 at school.

The service journey graphic below shows how children can be supported from early learning 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.

Alternate formats#

Translations in te reo Māori and Pacific languages#

Early Intervention Specialist Service#

EISS is delivered through the EIS and alternate service providers. The document below has more information about how EISS works and how you can refer a child.

Read about EISS information for parents and whānau, including the service journey and how EISS can support their child.

Early Intervention Specialist Service