Kaho ("saplings") Programme

This stimulating area offers a programme of child and teacher led learning opportunities for children over two and a half years of age until they start school.

Daily programme

Our teaching philosophy is: learning is a journey we take as one with many. It is our role as teachers to capture and provide experiences throughout the day that support and promote a child’s learning. The teaching team plan and prepare learning experiences based on the group's current interest, parent input and child voice. The teachers capture these interests and extend on their learning which we refer to as 'teachable moments'.

Our daily programme below is a guide and always allows for flexibility to support our teaching philosophy. Daily happenings are recorded in a 'daily programme book' or displayed around the centre. Parents are encouraged to share what has been happening at home on our special parent voice board to support the link between the home and our centre.

	8.00am	Teachers set up and daily planning
	8.45	Arrivals - greeting and settling
	9.00	Indoor & outdoor free play
	9.45	Whāriki time
	10.00	Morning tea provided
	10.30	Indoor & outdoor free play
	11.45	Whāriki time
	11.45	Younger children having lunch before bedding routines
	Midday	Kai time
	1.00	Indoor & outdoor free play
	2.30	Tidy up - afternoon tea provided
	2.45	Whāriki time
	3.00	Children leaving Indoor & outdoor free play
	4-4.30pm	Pack up, children leaving
		CENTRE IS CLOSED AT 4.30pm

Kaho ("saplings") Environment

The indoor and outdoor environments is also set up to reflect family values that support the reciprocal learning that occurs between older and younger children. The children are free to explore their environment and provide their own child lead learning experiences together with support and direction from the teachers. Respect and responsibility is a strong focus within the centre. This is reflected not only in the reciprocal learning and care of each other but also their physical environment. Children are provided with a locker to store and take responsibility for their own belongings, as well as looking after their spacious surroundings, inside and out.

Kai time

Lunchtime is when we sit together and enjoy a two course home cooked meal that has been specially prepared by our cook. The children take responsibility for setting up and clearing away with the support of older children and teachers. This is a valuable opportunity for social interaction and communication between children and teachers.

Whāriki time

Whāriki time is mat time. We sit together as one group, or sometimes smaller groups with children of similar age and share discussions, listen to stories, enjoy games, music and drama or in whatever direction the children may lead us! This is a great opportunity for children to gain confidence in planned or spontaneous fun group activities whilst building on skills that support the transition to school process.

Transition from ECE to local schools

We are supportive of the transition to school programs offered by the local schools. Each school has their own program and it is advisable to contact your chosen school well in advance to ensure your child is given every opportunity to participate.