There are four foundation principles for the early childhood curriculum:
- Empowerment – Whakamana
- Holistic development – Kotahitanga
- Family and community – Whānau tangata
- Relationships – Ngā hononga
The strands and goals arise from the principles and are woven around these principles in patterns that reflect the diversity of each early childhood education service. Together, the principles, strands, goals, and learning outcomes set the framework for the curriculum whāriki.