- All staff are to become familiar with the implementation of Te Whariki and an ongoing commitment to developing our child portfolios. Therefore staff will extend the children by providing appropriate learning experiences based on Te Whariki.
- Although staff will plan for the programme, they will at all times be aware and develop the children’s interests.
- All staff who work with the children are expected to be actively involved in the programme planning.
- All staff are required to attend two hour fortnightly staff meetings, held after hours.
Education Programme
Staff Use of the Curriculum
Individual Education Programme
Programme planning will be planned and evaluated according to the strengths and interests identified in children’s Portfolios.
- Portfolio’s will include observations, photos, and artwork.
- Once per month a Learning Story will be written up stating individual children’s strengths and/or interests, and a goal will be set for that month. A Follow-Up Story will review the goals set for your child.
- Twice a year an IEP form will be written up in conjunction with parents based on observations of their child’s strengths and interests. Goals are then set for the next period.
Areas of Development
WELL-BEING / MANA ATUA
“The health and well-being of the child are protected and nurtured”
We will:
- show love and understanding
- teach the children how to keep themselves safe and healthy
- provide a nutritious diet, drinks and snacks regularly and a hot meal at midday
- allow children to sleep when they need to; children who do not sleep will have a rest time after lunch
Belonging / Mana Whenua
“Children and their families feel a sense of belonging”
We will:
- ensure that time and emphasis is given to routines, both the centre’s routines and individual home routines
- teach the children the rules of the centre
- take the children for visits into the community and have the community visit us
- celebrate the children’s birthdays and special occasions
Contribution / Mana Tangata
“Opportunities for learning are equitable and each child’s contribution is valued”
We will:
- acknowledge the individuality and uniqueness of each child
- interact with the children on an individual basis, whenever possible
- give encouragement and help the children to build their self-esteem
- provide experiences within the centre that are available for all children
- teach the children to share and play, respecting others and the environment
Communication / Mana Reo
“The languages and symbols of their own and other cultures are promoted and protected”
We will:
- model and encourage both verbal and non-verbal communication
- offer a range of activities including creative and dramatic play, language/story telling, and books
- teach children to understand, appreciate and be confident in their own culture
- teach the children to respect other cultures and races
Exploration / Mana Aoturoa
“The child learns through active exploration of the evironment”
We will:
- offer a wide range of activities which include various stages of exploratory play, constructive play, manipulative play, and physically active play
- provide opportunities for children to think things out for themselves (problem
- solve), make their own choices, and gain concepts
- encourage children to explore and ask questions
Christianity
- Children in our centre will be taught about God, Jesus and the Bible. They will know that God loves them, God made everything, God cares for us and wants us to love Him and God wants us to love and care for others
- Karakia will be said before meals; Christian songs and Bible stories will be part of our programme