We strongly believe in developing children’s cultural identity. Knowing who you are and where you come from enables children to grow their belief.. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]..in themselves and confidence to contribute as a citizen of the world. As a partners in Te Tiriti o Waitangi Central Kids is committed to ensuring we provide a learning environment that reflects te Ao Māori. The use of Te Reo is naturally woven throughout the day. We use assessment models such as Te Whatu Pōkeka to reflect the individual child’s learning and cultural identity. [/read]

Te Whāriki, our national early childhood curriculum, underpins Central Kids philosophy of child-led learning, through play. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]. Each kindergarten/centre weaves a local curriculum or whāriki (woven mat) based on the principles, strands and learning outcomes found in Te Whāriki. Your child’s strengths and interests, all the things they learn as part of their family and the learning opportunities at a Central Kids service, are woven together to contribute to your child’s unique learning story.
Teachers and “Kaiako understand the progression of and variations in children’s development and provide time for the gradual growth of independent skills.” (p 30 Te Whāriki 2017)[/read]

Our teacher child ratios are covered by qualified teachers - kaiako māraurau. In addition to those minimum required ratios we employ teacher aids - kaiako tautāwhi .. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]..who work as part of the team to make sure that each child receives the best care and education possible. At Central Kids we believe that it is essential for those working with children to have the expertise and knowledge which puts children learning at the centre to plan and implement an effective programme. Our teaching teams are well supported by a team of experienced leaders with teaching backgrounds who provide mentoring and ongoing professional learning.[/read]

Just as our philosophy for children who attend our centres is child-led, we also believe this way of being is important for whānau. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]At Central Kids we work alongside your family to find the best way for you and your child to become part of the Central Kids whānau. Every family has different needs and we aim to do our best to accommodate them.
Getting to know you and building a relationship with you is important to us so that we can provide what you are looking for. By us knowing what works for you enables us to work together with you to create a seamless transitions with positive outcomes for all. By focusing on the individual child’s ways of being we can tailor their transition through the different stages of their life with Central Kids. For example we will take the time needed for your child to feel secure when your child moves on to school. [/read]

Central Kids is not for profit, this means all funds are returned directly to supporting our kindergartens and centres to be able to offer what communities need. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]We offer the Government subsidy of 20 hours free for over 3 year olds. In addition, children from 2 years are all eligible for a Central Kids subsidy of 20 hours free. Our goal is to keep our fees low as practicable and remove financial barriers so children can attend. If you have any financial obstacles stopping your child attending one of our service we encourage you to discuss your situation with the head teacher or centre manager. [/read]

Central Kids has a commitment to creating an environmentally sustainable programme and environment for tamariki; in our present and their future. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]We encourage and teach our children to be kaitiaki/guardians of our earth. Our initiatives are community driven and include planting programmes both at Central Kids and in the local area. We minimise waste where we can by repurposing materials such as boxes into creative projects and utilising local recycling initiatives. Many of our kindergartens and centres are involved in the Enviroschools programme. “The Enviroschools kaupapa is creating a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world through facilitating action-learning; where inter-generations of people work with and learn from nature”. (Enviroschools) [/read]

As well as printed portfolios containing your child’s learning, experiences and photographs we use an online programme called Storypark. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]Through this programme teachers and your whānau can share the learning, activities, and interests of your child. You will be able to invite whānau into your child’s portfolio so they can enjoy and experience your child’s learning journey alongside you. “Storypark helps your child get the best start in life by personalising their learning. Relive important moments in a private online community that grows with them over time”. (Storypark).[/read]

Acceptance of diversity is a fundamental belief of Central Kids because society includes people from all walks of life. Diversity arises from people’s.. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]..cultural, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds; personal beliefs and values; abilities and capabilities. In a supportive Central Kids environment, children have the opportunity to develop understanding, tolerance and empathy for others which adds value to who they are as a person and broadens their world view.[/read]

Whānau grouping reflects the natural characteristics of a family where it is normal to spend time with people of varying ages learning.. [read more="Read more" less="Read less"]..alongside and from each other. At Central Kids we use a term drawn from traditional Māori society, tuakana–teina, to describe the learning that takes place when a more expert ‘tuakana’ helps and guides a less expert ‘teina’. For example one child with skills and abilities to use a piece of equipment assists another child to use it, these roles may be reversed at any time. Children learn through opportunities to develop, practice and experience empathy, kindness, caring and manaaki as they engage in tuakana/teina relationships. When children from the same family attend together there is the added advantage of a sense of security because they have an older or younger family member with them. [/read]