A Philosophical Explanation of "Te Whariki" (The New Zealand National Early Childhood Education Program) and its critical review from the perspective of "Philosophy of Education in the Islamic Republic of Iran”

The purpose of this study is a) to explore and explain philosophically the foundations of TeWhariki (New Zealand National Program in early childhood education(ECE) ) and b) to do a critical review of the emerged foundation based on education philosophy in Iran. The research method adopted was a descriptive-analytical one in which an external review of TeWhariki’s philosophical foundation was carried out. The main findings are: a) TeWhariki is based on empowering the child to discover inside and outside of the self, making emotional relationships, paying attention to local and global culture, participation of all stakeholders in ECE, and accepting cultural pluralism; b) different philosophies are its educational foundation; c) it considers a spiritual origin and destination for human beings, pays attention to various aspects of the child's existence, benefits from national culture and indigenous tradition and pays attention to the role of family. From the perspective of "Philosophy of Education in Iran", TeWhariki ignores the role of religious teachings in child’s education, it does not rely on a comprehensive philosophical and value system, and there appears to be a kind of hidden relativism inside.