In early childhood centres, teaching rights and responsibilities is aimed at fostering feelings of confidence and respect for self and others.  These are the basis for the whole-centre human rights community. 

In ‘Raising Children with Roots, Rights and Responsibilities’, DuPont, Foley and Gagliardi (1999) state:

“When children  learn about what other children might be feeling or thinking, they begin to think of the world as larger than themselves. Children are then more sensitive to others' cues and needs and eventually able to take another person's perspective. Viewing others more empathically helps children recognize that each of us has the right to be safe, to learn, to play, and to make friends. Honoring these human rights encourages children to make responsible behavioral choices. Taking responsibility empowers people to have a say in their own lives. Helping children recognize their capability to choose what they want to do fosters a sense of mastery and competence, which, in turn, makes them feel worthy of participating in community life. When children feel a part of the community - that they belong - they are more willing to make responsible choices.”

The Human Rights in Education Initaitive builds on 'Te Whariki's'  principles of empowerment, family and community and relationships, and the strands of belonging, contribution, and exploration.  Implementing Rights, Respect, Responsibilities in early childhood centres will enable children to begin to understand that there are communities beyond their family.  For example, with the use of games and music, children learn about world cultures.