Philosophy/ Mātauranga Mātāpono
Te Ao Tamariki will provide a warm, loving atmosphere in a stimulating, safe, secure environment in which each child will build strong reciprocal relationships with the teachers and other children, enabling the children to develop to their fullest potential.
Te Ao Tamariki will provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment which revolves around the holistic growth of the children, parents, whānau and teachers within the centre environment. Through Te Whariki, the early childhood curriculum, teachers will enhance the children’s learning dispositions and working theories.
Te Ao Tamariki is committed to biculturalism. A commitment to fulfilling the partnership inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi is a central guiding principle of the centre, both its management and the learning environment created for the children. The inclusion of tikanga and te reo Maori throughout the environment and the programme is a central part of this commitment.
Te Ao Tamariki will promote an environment which celebrates and values the diverse cultural heritage amongst children and teachers. Teachers, children and whanau will be encouraged to include their first language and their culture throughout all aspects of the programme.
Te Ao Tamariki undertakes to be a responsible member of the wider community, promoting a natural environment that values sustainability. Links with the wider University community and the education sector will be fostered to ensure a high standard of education and care is delivered at all times.
Te Ao Tamariki recognises:
Children who attend the centre have preparedness, potential curiousity and interest in engaging in social interaction, establishing relationships, constructing their learning and negotiating with everything the environment brings them. Children need to be affirmed as the unique individuals they are, differences and similarities acknowledged and celebrated.
Parents and whānau are the primary caregivers of their children. As such, they have rights to regular information and communication about their child’s life at the centre.
Parent and whānau participation is encouraged and supported through many forms: day to day interaction with teachers, children’s profile books, discussions of educational issues, special events, excursions, and celebrations. At Te Ao Tamariki we celebrate the diversity of the family structure which each child comes from and are supportive of families that maybe different from our own.
Quality staffing is central to providing a quality programme. We have a commitment to all staff participating in regular professional development, continuing education opportunities, and a regular appraisal system. Teachers will develop co-operative and collaborative relationships with each other to ensure Te Ao Tamariki provides the best service possible for children and their whānau. Teachers will be reflective practitioners and participate in ongoing self reviews to ensure quality teaching and programming is maintiained.
Mission Statement/ Whakatakanga
To work with parents and whānau to provide quality early childhood education and care, which promotes the learning and development of every child.
