Politics in the Playground

Overview

This third edition is a lively history of early childhood education and care in Aotearoa New Zealand in the postwar era. The book follows on from Discovery of Early Childhood (1997, 2013), which traced the origins of institutional care and education for young children in Europe, US, and New Zealand prior to state interest and serious investment. This latest edition brings the story right up to date with developments under the Labour coalition government of Jacinda Ardern. The postwar search for security, the radicalism of the 1960s and 1970s, the rise of feminism, the role of the state in social issues, increasing employment of women—all have had an impact on early childhood education. This is an account of critical issues for young children that will interest parents, policy- makers, teachers, and students.

Author Biography

Helen May, now an emeritus professor, is a former Dean of the University of Otago College of Education. She has published nine books as sole author on the history and policy of early years education.