A kindergarten's journey into sustainability through the Enviroschools in the Early Years programme

Abstract

Over the past decade there has been an increasing visibility of sustainable practices in early childhood centres in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article describes a small scale research project which investigated a teaching team’s journey into sustainability in one rural kindergarten over a nine month period. Joining the Enviroschools in the Early Years programme provided the teachers with support, resources and a shared focus, and contributed to a sustained commitment to and ongoing emphasis on sustainability as a key part of the kindergarten’s philosophy and practices. The research found the Enviroschools programme is a good fit with the early childhood sector and can support other early childhood educators contemplating a similar journey.  Factors significant to the successful transition into sustainability through the Enviroschools in the Early Years programme are identified and challenges that need to be overcome are also discussed.