Democratic Policies and Practices in Early Childhood Education : Springer : 9789811346866 : 9811346860 : 02 Feb 2019 : This book uses case studies of Aotearoa New Zealand policy formulation and practice to explore early childhood education and care (ECEC) as a site for democratic citizenship and social justice. Addressing fundamental questions about the purpose of education, it argues for explicit values focusing on children and childhood as a basis for ECEC policy to replace discourses of economic investment and child vulnerability that are dominant within policy goals in many countries. A commitment to democracy and equity is a good place to start. Aotearoa New Zealand is of special interest because of its world-renowned ECE curriculum, Te Whariki, which is based on principles of social justice, respect for rights and an aim to support children growing up in a democracy. The curriculum upholds Maori rights to tino rangatiratanga (absolute authority over their lives and resources). Ye