About Me
I have worked in early childhood over the last 30 years, taking time off over the years to raise my own family, now all young adults. Becoming grandparents has given us an extension to our whānau and taught us that 'whānau' is most important, and supporting our family is what makes us happy.
Being an educator has allowed me to develop close relationships with tamariki. I've worked in many early childhood centres over the years, as a teacher aid supporting children with special needs, and nannying. I have worked in Kindergartens, where I also supported children with special needs through the Ministry of Education. I have now returned to being a home-based educator, being at home allows me to go at my own pace with the tamariki, developing strong bonds and having more time for 1:1. The small number is what I love, I'm incredibly passionate about children feeling they have a place to feel safe, happy and connected.
Places We Like To Visit
Tiny Nation events
Pop-up playgroups
Bush walks
The beach
Local parks
Nearby fields and skateparks
The zoo
Museums and libraries
Music group
Playcentre
Community playgroup
My Availability
I am available Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm (flexible).
My Philosophy
My philosophy sits well with a mix of Steiner/Pikler approach. My teaching method is based on supportive and close relationships, this is the beauty of home-based learning as it allows this connection to happen naturally.
My values are based on gratitude, responsibility and collaboration, inclusivity, diversity and initiative. I believe in kindness and respectful relationships. Allowing children to develop at a natural and authentic pace, through uninterrupted play and free movement is important to me.
I am incredibly passionate about professional development, especially about gaining knowledge of different cultures. I implement this in my service with respect and understanding and encourage children to recognise and appreciate what makes them special and unique.
My Environment
We live in the beautiful town of Inglewood, Taranaki with the gorgeous maunga and beaches close by. We are often seen out in our local community, with the local walkway, bush, fields, parks, tennis courts and skatepark being within blocks of my home. We take advantage of community outings most days of the week and the tamariki look forward to our outings. We enjoy visiting the famous pig at the local cafe (where we take our scraps) and visiting the cows that live close by.
With regular visits and walks, the children learn so much from the routine, including respect for the road. The hills, streams and natural bush environment helps them to learn and know how to stay safe.
I often put out different experiences and activities for the tamariki. I support the children's individual passions and interests and I enjoy being creative with ideas to extend their learning through play.
I have a great learning space with different areas for play. I have an undercover outdoor area which is well used in winter, allowing us to be outdoors but sheltered when needed. I offer many opportunities for sensory, self-directed and independent play, encouraging discovery and development. Children should bring many changes of clothes when attending my service as we enjoy getting wet and dirty as part of having a fabulous day!
My Training
I hold the National Certificate in Early Childhood (Level 4) and I hold a current first-aid certificate. I am also committed to ongoing self-learning in both Te Reo and NZ Sign Language.