Our Philosophy

Our Centre Philosophy and Values

At Paeroa Early Learning Centre we believe our MIXED AGED environment best

supports our goals and aspirations for our Tamariki and Kaiako.

It provides opportunities for the tamariki to develop RELATIONSHIPS

(whanaungatanga) with each other, showing their MANAAKITANGA (CARING)

skills in all of their interactions. These skills are learnt through the behaviours and

actions modelled by the teachers, parents, and children within the centre.

RESPECT is valued and encouraged in all of our daily interactions. Respect for

ourselves, respect for our environment, and respect for others within the centre.

Through this we provide tamariki opportunities to explore their own and other

cultures to develop a deeper understanding of the community. Tamariki are

supported to gain respect for the centre through the expectations of clearing up after

themselves, taking care of the centre, and taking care of the environment

(Papatūānuku), as they play.

We support and encourage children’s INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-RELIANCE in

all that they do within the centre. Children are viewed as competent and capable and

as such we have the trust in them, that they can do without teacher interference.

However, we are there, ready to support their efforts as needed.

We encourage teachers to continually expand their learning, remembering that they

too are LIFE-LONG LEARNERS, and they need to grow and develop their

knowledge to better suit the needs of our tamariki.

And above all, our tamariki need the time and space to PLAY, safe within an open

environment that encourages creativity, communication, and exploration.