Our Philosophy
At Reach for the Stars we empower our children to become confident, independent lifelong learners by providing an engaging learning environment where children are given every opportunity, encouragement, guidance and support to Reach for the Stars, and to develop to their full potential.
We encourage them to be active explorers, to learn alongside others regardless of their gender, ability, age, ethnicity or background. We believe in recognising individuality in our children and extend their interests by providing meaningful learning experiences for them.
At Reach for the Stars we are committed to providing a stimulating, nurturing and safe environment that supports our children’s physical and emotional needs. We foster independence and wellbeing by encouraging self-help skills, regular physical activity and healthy eating in a respectful way. We ensure our children have the kindness, love and support they need while also establishing boundaries and stability so they feel secure and happy in our care.
Our Centre believes communication is key when developing and maintaining relationships with families/whānau. We make sure that children and families feel comfortable in our Centre and encourage them to contribute to their child’s learning.
We welcome you to Reach for the Stars where you and your child will continue this wonderful journey of learning with us, exploring what it really means to be ME.
We encourage and appreciate the awareness of the
bi-cultural heritage within New Zealand.
These multi-cultural values are interwoven and visible in our curriculum and environment.
Our Curriculum
Our stunning surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for our early childhood education curriculum where our highly skilled kaiako guide children through a diverse and carefully crafted curriculum which is underpinned by Te Whariki, the National NZ Early Childhood Education Framework.
Te Whāriki is founded upon four principles:
Empowerment | Whakamana – Early childhood curriculum empowers the child to learn and grow.
Holistic Development | Kotahitanga – Early childhood curriculum reflects the holistic way children learn and grow.
Family and Community | Whānau Tangata – The wider world of family and community is an integral part of early childhood curriculum.
Relationships | Nga Hononga – Children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places and things.
We encourage and support exploration and learning through these principles. The daily rhythm and programme of our centre reflects these principles and the discussions and observations we note about the tamariki are supported by these as well as our philosophy.
Te Whāriki – the national Early Childhood Education curriculum
Te Whāriki is founded on the following aim 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.