ENGAGE is an evidence-based approach that supports the development of children’s self-regulation skills through intentional play. ENGAGE was developed by Associate Professor Dione Healey (University of Otago), and has been widely researched in Aotearoa. Now, in collaboration with Methodist Mission Southern and with funding from the Ministry of Education, the programme is now being delivered across Aotearoa in hundreds of early learning services. The widespread roll-out of ENGAGE will have positive outcomes for a huge number of tamariki, equipping them with vital self-regulation skills that are essential to successfully navigating through school and into adulthood. 

In this workshop we will take you through some of the background research and evidence base that has got ENGAGE to where it is today. We will also demonstrate some of the ENGAGE strategies and techniques, how these are delivered in centres, and the benefits we have seen for kaiako and tamariki.