Learning & Development

Children are natural learners and between birth and 5 years, and especially to 3 years, children grow and learn at the fastest rate of their lifetime. There are many ways of learning - children learn by watching, by listening and especially by doing. Children do best in an environment which is interesting and where they feel loved and safe.

Mother with her 2 young children in the garden

A still from a Ministry of Health video.

How Children Learn

As a parent or caregiver, you are your child's first teacher and understand them better than anyone else. You can help your child's development during the important early years.

Play & Your Child's Development

Play is how babies and children learn best. We don't need to formally 'teach' our young children in order for them to learn. Ordinary household objects such as boxes, blankets, pots and pans can provide many hours of fun and learning. 

Early Childhood Education

You can build on the learning your child is gaining at home by enrolling them in early learning services. When choosing an early childhood education service, think about what's important for you and what will work best for you and your child.

Concerned About Your Child's Development?

Children develop at different rates. Check out what to do if you have concerns about your preschool child's development. There are a range of services for children who need support.