C103 Interactions

Licensing criterion and guidance for C103 Interactions.

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Criterion C103

Adults providing education and care engage in meaningful, positive interactions to enhance children’s learning and nurture reciprocal relationships.

Curriculum criteria documentation required

Guidance

To meet this criterion in a way that is consistent with Te Whāriki, relationships should be recognised as a source of learning, empowerment, and identity for all. Kaiako and service leaders have a responsibility to engage in responsive and respectful relationships with children, parents and whānau, hapū, iwi, and each other.

Interaction provides a rich social world for children to make sense of and understand. Kaiako interactions should provide encouragement, warmth, acceptance, and challenges to help children extend their ideas and understanding of the world.

When mokopuna experience stable and consistent relationships with kaiako it enhances their learning, diverse strengths, and wellbeing. The service provider should consider how the organisation of staffing fosters opportunities for meaningful, positive, and consistent relationships between children and kaiako.

All interactions should create a sense of whanaungatanga in the service.

Kaiako have an important role and responsibility in fostering, role modelling and supporting the peer-to-peer interactions of mokopuna.

Kaiako should draw on knowledge gained from the child and their parents and whānau as they build authentic and reciprocal relationships that support positive transitions for children in, through and from the service.

  • What do we understand about whanaungatanga? How is it reflected in our service?

  • How do we ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop strong, reciprocal relationships with kaiako?

  • How do we create a sense of belonging for everyone in our service, including kaiako and other adults?

  • How is our service staffing organised to ensure consistent relationships?

  • How are children’s transitions through the service planned for and discussed with kaiako and whānau?

  • How would we explain to others how children’s learning is supported through meaningful and positive interactions?

  • How are reciprocal relationships reflected in our setting?

  • What intentional strategies do we use in our teaching practice that provide meaningful and purposeful interactions for children?

The link below gives kaiako and service providers more information, advice, and guidance to support implementation of the licensing criteria.

Te Whāriki Online – Tāhūrangi