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A programme that teaches self-regulation of emotions and behaviour to preschool children is to be rolled out in early childhood centres around the country. The ENGAGE programme, developed at the University of Otago, has just a received $19.7 million boost in government funding to expand the programme. It follows a successful trial in Dunedin, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. The programme helps build self-regulation skills in children aged three to five, and includes things like slowing down, remembering instructions, waiting their turn and managing their emotions. Equipping children with these skills can have the potential to change the trajectory of their life, with studies showing poor self-regulation can be a predictor of adverse outcomes as an adult. Kathryn speaks with associate professor Dione Healey from the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago.
