‘It's not, it's not random’: Teaching and learning in infant and toddler settings

‘It's not, it's not random’ is a quote from a kaiako (teacher) of infants and toddlers as she describes her teacher decision-making processes taking into consideration all the various influences and interrelationships within the activity system of her early childhood setting. This article draws from an qualitative study that utilised narrative data and Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to illuminate and illustrate how two kaiako use their specialised knowledges and specialised practices to respond to the care and learning of very young tamariki (children). The article concludes with a provocation to guide future thinking regarding what has been referred to as misunderstood, undervalued, hidden and taken-for-granted work of these education professionals.