Influencers of high-quality infant and toddler programmes: structural and process quality in Aotearoa New Zealand

Two comprehensive reports on the provision of quality education and care for infants and toddlers were undertaken in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) in 2011. This article considers the recommendations made in these reports, subsequent research undertaken, and the progress in Aotearoa/NZ has made since 2011. Using an integrative literature review methodology the question of what constitutes quality for infants and toddlers in group education and care settings was investigated. Comparisons between international research into quality provision for infants and toddlers, and current regulations and practices in Aotearoa/ NZ show little improvement has been made in the structural factors that underpin process quality. Previous research has focused on the three structural aspects that form the ‘iron-triangle’ framework established in 1979, teacher to child ratio; group size; and teacher qualifications. Based on the insights gained from this review an expanded representation of the conceptual framework was developed to reflect the complex array of factors that influence the provision of quality infant and toddler care and education.