Tiny Nation Educator- Taihape - Heather W

About Me

I have worked on and off in Early Childhood Education (ECE) for close to 20 years. During this time, I have gained experience in a variety of settings, including home-based education, early childhood centres, kindergartens and working within a primary school as a teacher aide. These different roles have allowed me to support children across many ages and stages of development, and have helped me build a strong understanding of children's learning, behaviour and emotional well-being.
Working in these environments has given me valuable insight into how children learn best in both structured and play-based settings. I am passionate about creating calm, supportive spaces where children feel safe, confident and encouraged to explore, build relationships and develop independence.
I have lived in Taihape my whole life and feel very connected to the community. Being part of a small rural town means relationships and supporting one another are incredibly important, and I value being able to contribute to the well-being of local families and tamariki.
My partner and I have three beautiful daughters aged 22, 9 and 7, and we are also proud grandparents to our 10-month-old granddaughter. All three of our daughters are neurodivergent, which has given me a deeper personal understanding of the different ways children think, learn and experience the world. This has shaped the way I approach working with children, allowing me to be more patient, flexible and responsive to individual needs.

My Philosophy

I believe children learn best in environments where they feel safe, valued, and have a strong sense of belonging. My role as a kaiako is to nurture children's curiosity, support their emotional wellbeing, and encourage learning through play and meaningful relationships.

With nearly 20 years of experience across home-based care, early childhood centres, kindergarten, and working as a teacher aide in a primary school, I understand that every child learns in their own unique way. As a mother of three neurodivergent daughters, I also bring a strong understanding of the importance of patience, flexibility, and celebrating each child's individuality. I value building trusting relationships with tamariki and their whanau, working in partnership to support children's learning and development within a caring and inclusive environment.

My Environment

My home provides a warm, welcoming, and safe environment where children feel comfortable exploring, playing, and learning. I aim to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere where tamariki feel a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to be confident in themselves. Children have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces that support a range of play experiences.

Inside, I offer a variety of resources and activities that encourage creativity, imagination, and learning through play. These include arts and crafts, drawing, puzzles, books, construction toys, pretend play, and sensory activities. I enjoy supporting children to explore their interests and helping them build confidence and independence through play-based learning.

Outdoor play is also an important part of our day. Children have opportunities to play outside with bikes, balls, water play, and other physical activities that support movement and coordination.

Being part of a small community means we are lucky to have many wonderful places to explore. We enjoy visiting local parks and playgrounds, going for walks around town, and spending time in nature. These outings allow children to explore the world around them, build social connections, and develop confidence in new environments. I believe children learn best through real-life experiences, exploration, and play, so I aim to provide a balanced environment where they can be active, creative and curious.

My Training

I hold a New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4), which has provided me with a strong foundation in supporting children's learning, development, and wellbeing. I also completed two years of study toward my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Although I was unable to complete the qualification due to medical reasons, the study gave me valuable knowledge and practical skills that I continue to apply in my work with children.

I am First Aid trained, ensuring I am prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies and provide a safe environment for the children in my care. Alongside my formal training, my nearly 20 years of experience working with children across home-based education, centres, kindergarten, and as a teacher aide have allowed me to continue developing my skills and understanding of how to support children's learning and wellbeing.