About Me
Kia ora, I’m Lauren! I’m a qualified and registered early childhood teacher with experience across all age groups in Canterbury and the West Coast, including Playcentre. After exploring different early childhood settings over the past decade, I settled in Northwood with my family and began creating an urban homestead.
I believe in using everyday experiences, cooking, baking, gardening, and play, as opportunities for learning. I love providing a slow-paced environment where children have the freedom to explore, connect with nature, and engage in sensory-rich experiences.
My husband, Al, and I share our home with our three children, along with our dog, cats, quails, and guinea pigs. We value joy, kindness, curiosity, and play in our everyday lives, and I bring that same approach into my home-based care.
Places We Like To Visit
Tiny Nation events
Playgrounds
Library visits
Bush walks
My Availability
I am available Mon - Fri:
8:00am to 6:00pm
My Philosophy
I believe that trust, connection, and empowerment are at the heart of early learning. I feel privileged to care for children and focus on building strong relationships with them and their families. I trust children’s natural ability to learn, encourage deep exploration, and celebrate their progress at their own pace.
My teaching approach is intentional, providing a variety of experiences that support gross motor development, sensory exploration, heuristic play, and creative expression. I adapt my environment regularly to offer new challenges and meaningful learning opportunities.
My Environment
My home is a peaceful and private space at the end of a tree-lined cul-de-sac. There are two garden areas, a flower garden with open space and shade for play, and a working garden with raised beds, a mini orchard, and a tree-shaded sandpit. Indoors, I have two dedicated play zones and a carpeted garage space for active play, including dance parties on rainy days. A covered outdoor area protects from the wind, allowing children to enjoy the fresh air year-round.
I have built a collection of high-quality resources, particularly in literacy and sensory play. I offer rainbow reading, sensory tools like a crash mat and zen zone, and engaging experiences such as soft play mats, projectors, and a large outdoor mat for comfort during colder months. For older children, I provide access to Reading Eggs and Math Seeds if they enjoy structured learning.
The garden, animals, and food preparation are central to my teaching. Everyday tasks become moments for connection and learning. We also explore our community regularly, visiting the local playground, supermarket, grocer, and library. When ratios allow, we take trips to The Groynes for bush walks, catch-and-release fishing, and nature play.
My Training
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and have completed three Master’s level papers in language acquisition, inclusive teaching and learning, and effective management of challenging behaviour.