Central Park Early Learning Centre is licensed for a maximum of 82 children (including up to 25 under 2 year olds).
We have 2 main rooms – the Ruru room for children over the age of 2 and a half years old and the Kereru room for tamariki (children) under the age of 2 and a half. The Kereru room has a dedicated space specifically designed for pēpē (Infants) under the age of 1 (Piwakawaka Room).
Both the Ruru and Kereru rooms have dedicated outside play areas which have climbing frames, slides, sandpits, space for bike riding and other outdoor activities.
The Ruru outside area has a fenced of area where the tamariki (children) do closely supervised carpentry activities. tamariki (children) are encouraged to freely move between the
indoor and outside areas (as weather permits).
Between the two outside play areas we have a working vegetable garden where the tamariki (children) help us to make compost, grow vegetables and flowers from seeds, water the plants and harvest our crop. These vegetables are incorporated into our Centre menu or eaten fresh from the garden by the tamariki (children). In both the Ruru and Kereru outside play areas we grow herbs such as rosemary, sage and parsley so that the tamariki (children) can experience their lovely scents and flavours.
Piwakawaka – Our Infants area
Room size up to 5 infants
Our Piwakawaka area is for pēpē (Infants) under the age of one. Our pēpē (Infants) Kaiako (Teacher) practice primary caregiving and focus on building a trusting and respectful bond with their tamariki (children) and their whānau (family)/Caregivers.
We follow each taitamaiti (child) routine from home and provide regular open communication with parents allowing us to adapt together so that the routines between home and Centre are consistent and smooth.
Our Kaiako (Teachers) create a calm, unhurried and nurturing environment for our youngest tamariki (children) filled with patience, cuddles, and smiles. This helps with supporting all stages of pēpē (Infants) development and encourages their growth and learning every day. tamariki (children) are free to explore their environment; activities and experiences are set up by our Kaiako (Teachers) responding to the taitamaiti (child) interests.
We are respectful of all tamariki (children) and their whānau (family); we celebrate each taitamaiti (child) unique culture, language and ways of being and knowing. We work hard at ensuring that the question “who is it for?” is always at the front of our minds so we can ensure that the tamariki (children) are happy and safe and are acknowledged as confident and competent learners.
Kereru – Our Under 2.5 years old room
Room size up to a maximum of 25 children (including any children in the Piwakawaka area)
Our Kereru room is for tamariki (children) aged one to two and a half. Our toddler Kaiako (Teachers) believe in forming strong, open and supportive relationships with the tamariki (children) and their whānau (family). This supports the tamariki (children) to feel safe, secure and confident in their environment and the people around them.
Our mealtimes are as follows: Morning tea at 9am, lunch at 11am and afternoon tea at 2pm. However, we happily follow tamariki (children) home routines and work them around our room routines so that the taitamaiti (child) and their whānau (family) have consistency, familiarity and comfort.
Our environments are set up to allow indoor/outdoor flow and to support all ages and stages of development. Our resources and experiences provide the opportunity for tamariki (children) to use their imagination and creativity. Our tamariki (children) are encouraged to make their own decisions and engage in learning experiences, supported by their Kaiako (Teachers), that capture their interest. We also encourage group play to develop social skills and respect for themselves and others, as well as developing respect for the environment that they grow and learn in.
Ruru Room – 2.5 – 5 years old
Our Ruru room is for tamariki (children) aged 2.5 – 5 years old. The space is open, homely and full of vibrant energy. Your taitamaiti (child) will find a range of resources set up around the room and outside that provide stimulating and exciting experiences. The Kaiako (Teachers) create free space that allows tamariki (children) to be creative, inquisitive, interactive but also comfortable. With these qualities we create an environment in which our tamariki (children) are ready to learn.
The tamariki (children) have a significant amount of time dedicated to free play in their daily routine. Free play allows them to explore their environment in-depth and connect in meaningful ways with their peers and Kaiako (Teachers). We know that free play is vital in the development of the taitamaiti (child) both physically, intellectually and emotionally. Our Centre focus or theme is always guided by the tamariki (children) interests and queries. This means that the tamariki (children) are engaged, enthusiastic and excited to learn more about their world and further develop their working theories.
Our Routines – Mat time & group time
Mat time is a time of the day which the tamariki (children) come together to enjoy and be engaged in a quality planned experience which is led by their Kaiako (Teachers). These experiences range from stories, music & movement and getting their brains working through discussions & conversations around our current topic of interest. The tamariki (children) love this daily ritual as it is a time for them to be calm and enjoy the learning experiences offered to them.
For group time, the tamariki (children) are split into groups according to their age and development. During this time, tamariki (children) are learning strategies for active exploration & thinking. The Kaiako (Teachers) have created a dynamic programme in which the tamariki (children) are also using creative, and critical processes. The 4-5 year olds also follow a special transition to school programme in which they are given opportunities to learn about what their daily routine will be like at primary school.
