--- title: Tiny Nation Educator - Auckland - Barbara Johnson description: Meet our Tiny Nation educators. Visit our educators' webpages, explore their profiles, their philosophies, their learning environments and programmes. image: https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hubfs/Barbara%20Johnson%20-%20Educator%20Webpage%20Featured%20Image.jpg --- [![Tiny Nation](https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Tinynation_Nov2021/images/tiny-logo.png?width=284&height=828&name=tiny-logo.png "Tiny Nation")](https://tinynation.co.nz/) - [ABOUT US](https://tinynation.co.nz/about-us/) - [OUR PRINCIPLES & VALUES](http://tinynation.co.nz/about-us/#ourvalues) - [OUR TEAM](http://tinynation.co.nz/about-us/#ourteam) - [OUR PARTNERS](https://tinynation.co.nz/partners/) - [NEWS](https://tinynation.co.nz/tiny-nation-news/) - [JOBS](https://tinynation.co.nz/jobs/) - [FAMILIES](https://tinynation.co.nz/families/) - [NANNIES](https://tinynation.co.nz/nannies/) - [EDUCATORS](https://tinynation.co.nz/educators/) - [CONTACT US](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/) ![Auckland Educator Webpages - Ed Photos\_Barb](https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Auckland%20Educator%20Webpages%20-%20Ed%20Photos_Barb.jpg?width=1080&name=Auckland%20Educator%20Webpages%20-%20Ed%20Photos_Barb.jpg "Auckland Educator Webpages - Ed Photos_Barb") # Barbara Tiny Nation Educator - Oratia, Waitakere City ![Educator Webpage Icon](https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/Educator%20Webpage%20Icon.png?width=120&height=120&name=Educator%20Webpage%20Icon.png "Educator Webpage Icon") [Enquire Now](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/) ### About Me I'm a qualified and experienced ECE teacher and hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I have worked in kindergartens and daycare centres, but my passion is with smaller groups of children in home-based care which I have been doing for the past seventeen years. The relationships made with the children and their families are invaluable and rewarding. My own four children are aged between 31 and 16 years old and we have lived on our half-acre of paradise in the Waitakere Ranges for 25 years. My interests are gardening, art, music, my pets and relaxing at the beach. ## Places We Like To Visit ## Tiny Nation events Pop-up playgroups Parks and local beaches  Zoo   ## My Availability I am available Monday to Friday I have spaces for an under- or over-2-year-old.   ## My Philosophy I believe that children develop in a holistic way and that planning is for the whole child with the essential learning areas integrated into all activities through the curriculum. Each child is a unique individual with their own strengths, understandings and abilities and I will be there to support and scaffold their learning to extend this so they become competent, confident learners. I believe in children forming secure attachments with their educator and other children in a relaxed, unrushed environment where they have a strong sense of belonging. The environment should encourage children to actively take risks and problem-solve. As an educator, I acknowledge the importance of my role in facilitating all children's learning and development and ongoing professional development which builds on that. ## My Environment I live in Oratia \\ Waitarua in the beautiful Waitakere Ranges! I have a playroom full of resources for all ages and stages and a big covered deck suitable for all weather conditions. We enjoy a range of activities and outings in the mornings including Mainly Music, Rhymetime, Auckland Zoo, Ambury Farm, beaches and parks. Come and join us in our adventures! ## My Training I hold a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I have a current first aid qualification for child first aid. ### Family Testimonials #### "Warm and welcoming presence" ![TN\_BrandIcons-06](https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/TN_BrandIcons-06.jpg?width=50&name=TN_BrandIcons-06.jpg) My family has been with Barbara for more than 10 years through her care of our two children. We first worked with Barbara with our first child, Natasha. Natasha was a shy child and we knew that a centre would not suit her personality. We looked into home-based care and interviewed a few different carers. When we met with Barbara at her home, Natasha (approx. 1-year-old) felt an immediate connection to her and felt at ease with Barbara, which was something we had not seen before as Natasha was usually cautious around new people. This was because Barbar has a warm and welcoming presence that is calm and safe for children. Having decided that Natasha had chosen her carer, any hesitations were laid to rest within the first week of Natasha being in Barbara's care. Natasha was gently supported to explore new environments and activities. She made friends and learned valuable social skills, all supported by Barabara in her kind, gentle affirming way. Barbara exposed Nattasha to many different experiences: playgroups, beach trips, excursions, home-based activities, animals, library, movement sessions, and gym. Natasha, now 11 still remembers her time with Barbara and talks about how "Aunty Bar" was always so kind to her.  A few years after Natasha had finished with Barbara, we had our second child, Samuel, and there was no question that Samual would be with Barbara. He was with her from 10 months of age and just like Natasha, immediately took to Barb. He was given a home away from home, his routines supported, and continued. #### ![TN\_BrandIcons-08](https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/TN_BrandIcons-08.jpg?width=49&name=TN_BrandIcons-08.jpg)  Samuel is a completely different child to Natasha. Natasha thrived under Barabar's kind, gentle guidance. Samuel, who was more outgoing, confident and adventurous, thrived just as well. Barbara ensured Samuel was appropriately stimulated and had many experiences that stretched his very confident abilities. He also learned valuable social skills that supported his confidence - he was taught how to share, be kind to others,  patience, and focus. He was well-prepared for school and his teachers talk about his high general knowledge, school readiness and articulate nature. Rest assured, our second child had very little input from a busy home and a lot from Barb.  Both children had so much fun. Barbara is child-focused. she really gets to know each child and family for who they are and is able to adapt her support and guidance to suit their individual needs. She creates a loving environment that has clear boundaries and the children just thrive. As long as I have known Barbara, she had endeavoured to evolve her space at home so those in her care can enjoy a fun in-home experience that would rival any private centre or kindergarten. Similarly, the children are exposed to excursions and experiences outside the home so they are not just cooped up in one space. They engage in activities that support their physical, cognitive and social development. We have been so privileged to have Barb care for our two children. She has become like family to us and our children will forever remember "Aunty Barb". 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