Center Manager | Philosophy | Vision | Overview | Hours of Operation | Settling | Transitioning | Child Health
I am passionate about young children because I believe these first few years in a child's life are so crucial, and I love having a part of and making a difference to their learning and development. I enjoy encouraging parents, families and whanau into taking part in our day to day routines as well as having a say in their children’s learning and development. We have the most wonderful team of teachers here at Reach for the Stars and I feel privileged to be a part of it.
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.
As a family owned centre we believe communication is key when developing and maintaining relationships with families/whanau. 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.
Our family owned and operated Albany Centre will embrace our children and their families a caring, supportive and stimulating environment, where individual difference is celebrated and needs are met.
Our children and our staff will be encouraged to ‘Reach for the Stars’ allowing individuals to explore what it really means to be ME.
At Reach for the Stars our priority is the well-being of all aspects of the development for the children you have entrusted to our care.
We are committed to acting in your child’s best interest in their learning, social development and personal welfare.
We believe one of the best ways for us to achieve the very best for your child is to encourage a trusting and open relationship between home and the Centre.
This is done by encouraging open and honest communication from and to parents and whanau to foster a relationship of trust between the Centre and our families. We want to work alongside you as the parents and whanau – as you are the experts when it comes to knowing your child.
Our team are committed to providing a safe, loving encouraging and exciting environment where boundaries and stability are provided for the children so they feel, secure, guided and happy.
Your child is an individual and we commit to embracing their individuality by listening, observing, guiding and engaging with them
We place great importance in children’s learning through play – recognising their specific interests, strengths and abilities
We embrace our responsibility to create an environment which upholds the bicultural heritage of New Zealand and the principles of partnerships inherent in Te Tiriti O Waitangi. We do this because we acknowledge, respect and appreciate the fact that Maori are the Tangata Whenua (people of the land) here in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
It is important to understand that if Maori are not supported in their endeavours to maintain their language and culture, these treasures could be lost forever.
We also celebrate a rich and diverse cultural environment where languages, rituals and symbols of children’s own and other cultures are protected and promoted.
We are licenced to operate for your convenience between 7.30 – 6.00pm. Monday – Friday
We ask for your co-operation in arrival and departure times within our hours of operation.
Late fees apply to any late pick up.
Your child may not be signed in or dropped off at Reach for the Stars prior to 7.30am
Please ensure you drop off and pick up your child at the times they are enrolled to ensure we maintain correct teacher/child ratios.
We are closed on all Statutory holidays (full fees are applicable for any Statutory holiday that falls on a day when your child would normally attend) and from 3.30pm on Christmas Eve.
To support your child in settling well and for the experience to be a positive one we ask that you spend some time with your child at Reach for the Stars prior to their regular attendance to enable familiarisation with the environment. As a guide we find an hour is usually a good time frame and 2 visits. We suggest you work with your child’s teacher as to when it’s appropriate to leave them for a short period. These visits are offered free to families.
We do understand that each child is different and some settle quickly and others may take a little longer. Reducing the amount of time you spend with them on arrival each day will help the settling in process.
Please be reassured your child’s emotional well-being and safety is always our number one priority. If at any stage we feel that your child is not coping well without you, we will contact you.
When your child shows signs of being ready to transition to the next room your child’s teacher will work in collaboration with you and the next teaching team. Our primary focus is ensuring the transition is a positive and smooth one where children embrace the challenge the next learning environment has to offer. While there are guidelines regarding age the transition age is actually tailored to individual children’s needs.
We encourage you as the child’s parents to come and meet the new team and share your knowledge of your child with them first-hand.
It takes time for a child’s immune system to keep up with what they are exposed to and as a result almost all children will experience some type of illness when they begin attending a Childcare Centre.
We will notify you immediately if your child shows signs of illness and needs to be collected. We do this to ensure the safety and wellness of your child and to minimise the spread of illness at our Centre, therefore ensuring the welfare of all the children in our care.
Guidelines of contagious diseases are provided by the Ministry of Health, and we follow these guidelines strictly.
Please familiarise yourself with these guidelines – we can provide a copy of these if required.