ADVERTORIAL
Central Kids Thames
At Central Kids Thames, tamariki are central to all we do. We provide a safe, inclusive, supportive,and stimulating environment where tamariki thrive. We allow tamariki to lead their own learning, working closely alongside them as we respond to their interests.
Whanaungatanga, in which we form familiar bonds with whānau, is an important value of ours. Our goal is to support the aspirations whānau have for their tamariki, and to work collaboratively with whānau to achieve their goals. Guided by New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki, we take a holistic approach to teaching. The curriculum weaves together five strands that are crucial for ensuring educational success.
These strands are Mana Atua/Wellbeing, Mana Whenua/Belonging, Mana Tangata/Contribution, Mana Reo/Language, and Mana Aoturoa/Exploration. By focusing on each of these, we support tamariki to develop positive relationships with learning, which leads to ongoing educational success.
Our environment is rich in open-ended resources and intentional provocations that inspire tamariki to freely explore their ideas and expand on what they are learning.
We encourage exploration and aspire for tamariki to develop curiosity about the world and the inclination to share their interests with others. Our team of fully qualified teachers are dedicated to fostering a love of learning. We include art, music and movement, literacy, numeracy, science, dramatic play, group games, nature-based learning and more within our setting, along with celebrating events meaningful to our learning community such as Matariki and Diwali. Our assessment style is in the form of learning stories that draw from Te Whatu Pōkeka, in which cultural ways of knowing, doing, and being are integrated into assessment. This means that we continuously seek to expand our skills as we learn about and from the tamariki within our centre.
In this way, we can better identify and respond to their individual learning strengths.
Meaningful collaborative relationships with whānau are key to understanding the strengths tamariki bring. Relationships with whānau inform our practice and guide us in successfully responding to their child’s learning needs. Input from whānau empowers the child’s voice, and we love to hear what our tamariki have to say. Here we have captured some valuable feedback.
We asked our tamariki, ‘What do you like about kindergarten?’ and the response was insightfully wonderful.
Quinn – ‘I like going on the monkey bars, rolling playdough, and making handprints, and high fives’.
Te Kahikatea – ‘When we go to school visits and doing baking, eating weetbix’.
Caius – ‘Making truck farms in the sandpit and gluing with the hot glue gun’.
Mia – ‘I like swinging on the monkey bars and practising until I can do it by myself and swinging really high on the swings’.
We were delighted to hear this and will respond to their voices by ensuring there is plenty more of what they love within their learning space.
‘Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi – Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.’
A fantastic adventure at Pukekos Educare
Over the past six weeks at Pukekos Educare our children have been on a fantastic adventure, exploring the wonders of nature, and the life cycles of plants.
We arranged an excursion to Aeroview Garden Centre, motivated by the children’s enthusiasm to plant watermelon, strawberries, cucumber and flowers. This process has exemplified manaakitanga, (caring for others) as the children have developed a deep sense of responsibility for caring for our environment, preparing our gardens, and nurturing them with care. The children have assumed a sense of leadership and ownership for their learning journey.
We are thrilled to witness their every growing love of learning. They have also been captivated by vehicles and all things that move. We were very grateful to have two of our dads share their expertise and machines with us, including a logging truck and a digger. This was an engaging, hands on learning experience for the children.
As spring has settled in, we have seized the opportunity to reconnect with our beautiful outdoor environment, participating in river and waterplay, carpentry, building, family and social play and embracing our role as curious and adventurous explorers.
Children at the heart of everything
At Thames Early Childhood Education Centre we put children at the heart of everything we stand for.
We view children as independents, decision makers, positive role models and initiators of their own learning. We value whanau contribution and strongly embrace whanaungatanga where all relationships are strengthened through meaningful experiences.
We aim to create a stimulating and vibrant environment that provokes our tamariki to be curious, discover, investigate and enhance their imagination but most of all have fun. We encourage children to take their time to participate in different experiences, each building on their knowledge.
Our children are always at the heart of our programme therefore benefiting each individuals learning and development which enhances and acknowledges the true sense of ako. This ensures each child is individually catered for at their own age and stage of development. We value our mixed age centre and welcome children from birth to school age.
We believe that they learn best from interacting with each other. Our babies have a sense of security in their room but also have a place in the over twos area. We believe that this approach embraces and empowers the tuakana teina concept when the two age groups meet. We provide opportunities for children to make their own choices, use their imagination, work independently or in groups as this enables them to be the decision makers of their own learning. It also develops confidence, perseverance and social skills.
We appreciate, value and support our community and believe that people and places that surround us have just as much to offer our centre as we do them.
This gives our children an opportunity to extend their knowledge about what the community can offer us and also make the most of the environment. We celebrate and embrace all ethnic cultures giving children the opportunity to each learn about inclusion and diversity. Our current promotion is 30 free hours for all ages (conditions apply). We are open Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm. Please feel free to pop in and see us or give us a call.
DETAILS: 100 Haven Street, Moanataiari (behind A&G Price) and reachable on 07 868 7028.
Explore, learn, grow with us at Little Chiefs Educare
At Little Chiefs Educare, we believe in the power of relationships.
Our philosophy is built on fostering whānaungatanga through the nurturing of trusting, loving, and respectful connections between children, educators, and whānau.
We create an environment where every child feels valued and supported, empowering them to explore and discover the world around them.
Our team is passionate about providing a space where children can learn through play, exploration, and connection. Each week, we take exciting excursions to the bush, beach, or within the community, allowing children to engage with nature and develop a sense of belonging to the world around them.
We offer a spacious and separate under-two area where the youngest learners can enjoy a safe and stimulating environment.
With small group sizes and great teacher-to-child ratios, we ensure each child receives individual attention and care. Our team laughs together, shares ideas, and works collaboratively to create a fun, warm, and engaging atmosphere.
We currently have spaces available.
If you’re looking for a childcare centre where your child can thrive, build meaningful relationships, and explore their world, come visit us at Little Chiefs.
We’d love to be a part of your child’s journey.
