Tiny Nation Educator - Wellington - Dee M

About Me

I’m Dee, an experienced educator with a highly regarded educational background, and a mother of two lovely young children, my three-year-old son and nine-month-old daughter.

We live opposite the beautiful native Wilton bush, and we are a devoted Christian family, part of the Reformed Church of Wellington. I love children and am passionate about the education sector, having worked within it throughout my career. I’m originally from China and have been living in New Zealand for over ten years. While I was in China, I was a founder and a teacher at a preschool, and I have also taught Chinese full-time in two primary schools in Wellington for two years. For the last five years, I have worked in the tertiary sector on development fund projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

After having my daughter, I decided to make the shift to home-based care and spend more time with my children. I’d like to help other families in my area who cannot be there daily for their little ones and provide them with a home away from home.

My Philosophy

I believe children thrive when they have predictable routines and clear, consistent boundaries, which help them feel safe and confident. I am inspired by the Montessori approach, which emphasises hands-on, real-life experiences, independence, and respect for each child’s natural development. I see great value in nature-based learning. Taking children into the bush to explore allows them to engage their senses, ask questions, and connect with the world around them. I also incorporate bilingual communication into our daily routines. This provides children with a gentle introduction to another language, supporting their cognitive development and cultural awareness. For families who value multilingual exposure, this can be a meaningful part of their child’s early learning journey.

My Environment

We have a modern, open-plan home filled with natural sunlight. It is fully insulated and double-glazed, creating a warm, safe, and inviting space for children. Our learning environment includes a wide range of high-quality resources such as wooden toys, Duplo, cars, train sets, puzzles, and a large collection of books to support children’s curiosity and development across all areas. Our secure deck features ride-on bikes, a tricycle, a small slide, and a mini basketball hoop — offering plenty of opportunities for physical play and motor skill development. In the backyard, we have a beautiful spring-free trampoline, which is always a favourite. There’s always something fun and engaging for the children to do.

We live on Wilton Road, opposite to Wilton bush and have a few playgrounds and schools just minutes’ walk away.

We follow a consistent daily routine, with a strong focus on getting out and about in the mornings. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we attend the Montessori playgroup in Wilton, which supports hands-on learning and independence. On Wednesdays, we enjoy Mainly Music, where children develop rhythm, coordination, and social confidence. Depending on the weather, we often have lunch outside with playdates or return home for quieter play. Afternoons are more relaxed, usually starting with a nap or quiet time, followed by free play at home, a visit to the local playground, or a bush walk to explore and connect with nature.

I prefer not to work on Mondays and Fridays, but if I do decide to take children on those days, we follow a slower, more flexible routine. This might include attending Wilton Playcentre on one of the days, arranging playdates, visiting the local library, or enjoying a quiet home day with relaxed activities and plenty of free play.