Waimauku Kindergarten was proudly opened in July 2003. Located in the rural township of Waimauku our kindergarten was a dream of a small dedicated group of women who volunteered their time, over 4 years to raise the funds to support the establishment of a community operated early childhood centre.
The Teachers at Waimauku Kindergarten have the following aspirations for children: "To grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society" We believe that it is essential that children have the right to be children this means we value play as a meaningful way of acquiring and developing knowledge.
We know that through play children are able to be active investigators: who explore, develop, test and articulate their theories, and learn through interacting with their environment. We believe children develop knowledge through play that stimulates a tremendous amount of learning. We will develop and work within an environment that is stimulating, inspiring and challenging for children. This environment will reflect the children's interests, allow for opportunites to re-visit experiences as well as provide times for sustained interactions and uninterrupted work.
“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things” – Plato
Teachers believe that through assessment and documentation they will develop a deeper understanding of children's strengths and interests. Our programme will be guided by Te Whaariki: 'Empowerment, Holistic Development, Family and Community' underline all assessment, documentation and planning. We strongly believe the impolementation of these principals will be empowering for children and their families.
We will ensure that our children are given the opportunities to explore the use of ICT tools within a safe environment. This will enhance children's learning and play experiences and will involve children, parents/whanau, teachers and the wider community.
We value the relationships with children, family and whanau. We aim to extend our links within the wider community of learning. Waimauku Kindergarten will be a welcoming place for all children, families and whanau, where there are equitable learning opportunities and where diversity is valued and respected.
Our ERO Report is available at: http://www.ero.govt.nz/review-reports/waimauku-kindergarten-13-04-2015/
