Central Otago Kindergarten Association

KIA ORA AND WELCOME TO OUR WEB- SITE 

HAERE MAI

As a parent you are the best judge of when your child needs

•  More stimulation
•  Access to resources
•  To develop relationships skills with other children and other adults
•  Skilled early childhood educators  

Kindergarten will provide you with

•  The best quality education for your child
•  Support in your parenting
•  Guidance and advice over behavioural issues
•  Ideas on how to extend your child's world
•  Opportunities for involvement in your child's education

What does kindergarten offer?

1. We specialise in the pre-school education of 1-5 year olds.
   All our kindergartens are all-day licensed with various operating hours as found in the individual kindergarten pages.
2. We have 100% registered teachers with a teacher child ratio of 1-10 for over two year olds and a ratio of 1- 3 for under two's, plus teacher aides and parent helps.
3. We are committed to total quality education. Our kindergartens are well supported by our Kindergarten Association and nationally by NZKI so teachers have access to ongoing support and professional development.
4. All our teachers are highly skilled in delivering the national Early Childhood Curriculum Te Whariki which is based on the 4 Principles of:

   •  Empowerment - Whakamana
   •  Holistic development - Kotahitanga
   •  Family and community - Whanau Tangata
   •  Relationships - Nga Hononga
   
   Within this structure children are encouraged to follow their own strengths and interests.

Teachers provide a snapshot of your child's learning journey through learning stories which are collated into profile books. These are a snapshot of an individual child's learning through play. The profile will incorporate the child's, the parent's and the teacher's voice.

The portfolio belongs to the family and can be used for the new teacher when your child moves onto school or for grandparents and whanau.

5. All kindergartens provide a safe stimulating environment reflecting New Zealand 's bicultural foundations.
6. You are most welcome to visit your local kindergarten and meet the teachers before enrolling your child. There may be a waiting list before your child can be accepted so it is always advisable to enroll your child as early as possible.
7. Parent involvement in your child's education is a vital key to your child's success and achievement in later schooling.

   Within kindergarten you are encouraged to get involved in
   •  Parent help roster
   •  Your kindergarten committee
   •  Offer your skills in the programme
   •  Resource creation