Cognition

It takes a village to raise a child”

Recently Leataata O Tupulaga O Le Pasefika and Cognition held a workshop that shared both local and international evidence that explained how and why the ECE professional learning community hub approach is effective. 

The purpose of the workshop was to show how this approach has proved a very successful means of engaging and sustaining participation of Maori and Pasifika families in ECE services. Participants from a range of ECE, Education, NGO, Council and Ministry services explored the application of this approach to their setting. 

Research defines a professional learning community hub as a professional strength based partnerships between education, health and social service providers. This partnership is usually led by an ECE/ school community to create the ECE/school community they want. Together they develop plans, utilise their strengths and take actions that address prioritised needs within the ECE/school community.Leataata O Tupulaga O Le Pasefika provides a great example of what this approach looks like in action.

The ECE workshop participants identified that successful ECE professional learning communities in New Zealand:

·         are community led

·         are relationship focussed

·         have a clear shared vision and purpose

·         take collaborative, targeted, evidence-based actions to empower and build the learning community

Other considerations raised during the sessions were:

·         The importance of identifying and utilising a “champion” at the outset- but ensuring that you spread the enthusiasm and leadership so as to ensure sustainability

·         Establishing a professional learning community does not necessarily have to be led by an education organisation- but it is preferable.

·         The availability of Department of Internal Affairs funds for communities to conduct their own needs analysis and lead their own transformation.

If you would like more information about Cognition and its work in the ECE sector please contact Therese Ireland. Her email address is: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it