Infant and toddlers
"Physical, cognitive and socio-emotional growth and development are more rapid during infancy than in any other period of life. Neural pathways formed during this period are the foundations for all future learning ". Te Whāriki
Our Infant Room
Our dedicated, experienced teachers develop warm, responsive relationships with your children. Talking with you to understand the developmental and learning needs of your child is important to us. We strive for a ratio of 1:3 with our under 2 children, have a separate sleep space and easy access to our outdoor area that is shared with our older toddlers. Our infant room runs on primary care routines, such as sleeping, feeding and changing. This provides prime times for intimate one on one time, with a familiar care-giver where a relationship is established. These times provide opportunities for language and play, and nurturing trust for your child with their primary caregiver. Children know that their needs will be anticipated and fulfilled.
Transition from home
We offer an individualised settling period, matched to the needs of your whānau. While the child's needs are paramount, we strongly believe that to build a foundation based on trust the whole family need to be secure in the relationships, surroundings and routines. As a core value we offer this time at no cost and the settling period is flexible in length to cater to child and whānau needs and aspirations.
Transition to the Junior School
From home or another service, a very similar transition process applies. Our Ruma Pepi (infant space) is situated within Whānau Manaaki, our larger older toddler area. The transition from Ruma Pepi to the larger space is done at the child's pace over a period of time. This transition is normally quite seamless, as there is continuity of care with the teaching team across both areas, meaning the child will stay with their original primary care teacher. The older toddler space is set up for under 2's, so children do have the ability throughout the day, at any age, to explore this area and become familiar with the larger space. These transitions are initiated and driven by the child with the support of their primary caregiver. The child is invited to play, eat and sleep on the juniors side when they feel ready. All of this is documented and shared with the children's family, whānau and other kaiako.