LEARNING
PROGRAM
Children’s best learning and memories take place in relationship with adults who matter and in nature. That’s why, at Kakapo Creek we have taken special care to maintain a constant, long term caregiver so that the child-teacher relationship is optimised. We’ve also designed an environment that is rich in nature including our native forest school. Children spend time every day in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, closely connected to teachers who know them and their family. Our teachers encourage a sense of wonder and delight in our children ensuring that their natural curiosity, joy and energy is nurtured.
OVER TWO YEARS
Because we understand the importance of a child's first 1000 days we only enrol children over two years of age. Children are placed in family styled classrooms that are the best fit for their unique personality and maturity levels. We use constant caregivers so there is no changing teacher and classrooms on a child's birthday. Research shows that this is best for children's emotional and social development. Children may be enrolled part time or full time.
child's first 1000 days TED Talk USA
READING AND NUMERACY
We use a phonics reading program and an integrated numeracy program in teaching literacy and maths skills. No child is forced to learn and teachers carefully watch for signs of interest in these concepts and encourage each individual child as they are ready. Most learning takes place through incidental play and conversations, while our dedicated school readiness program works with children nearing school age..
PARENT PLAY AND STAY
Because we understand the importance of the first 1000 days of a child's life, we support parents with children under two years of age through a parent play and stay playgroup. Infants and their parents join our weekly play and stay sessions, using our dedicated specialist curriculum classroom. They have access to our specialist staff and are able to meet and socialise with other parents, forming strong social networks in the community. Because infants are familiar with Kakapo Creek and feel safe here, having played with their parent and knowing our teachers, they then adjust quickly and seamlessly into our centre when they turn two.
child's first 1000 days TED Talk New Zealand
child's first 1000 days website
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Our dedicated extra curricular classroom provides specialist teachers every week in arts, music, drama, gym, school readiness and more. We bring in experts to help make the learning experience exceptional for you and your child. Parents are welcome to join their child on these sessions if they wish. Times will be notified.
WHAT TO WEAR
Kakapo Creek is a fun place to be where children can get dirty, muddy, wet and painted. With this in mind we ask parents to dress their children appropriately and provide a change of clothes. We provide aprons, where appropriate, to help protect clothes, while recognising that childhood is supposed to be carefree and fun.
