TIPU ("seedlings") Programme

Offering a nurturing, caring home like environment, this special area caters for a small group of infants and toddlers from three months of age to two and a half years of age.

Daily programme

Every day is different in our infant and toddler area, and our programme remains flexible to cater for individual requirements.  We endeavour to keep children’s routines as close as possible to what would happen at home, although we generally sit down as a group for a shared morning tea about 9.45am. Lunch is around 11.30am and afternoon tea is most often as children awake or when required.

Within our programme we follow aspects of the "Pikler" philosophy. 
We view infants and toddlers as:

• Capable learners and natural explorers who need time, space and freedom in a physically and emotionally safe environment, to progress and develop at their own pace – when they are ready.
  

Tipu ("seedlings") environment

The indoor and outdoor areas are designed to reflect family values, whilst supporting positive relationships between younger and older children.  We are proud to offer a clean, home like environment and believe in providing natural resources that don't limit the imagination to support children's innate desire to explore and investigate.

Visits

When infants initially start they will complete a free 3 visit transition before commencing their
permanent bookings. This process is beneficial for yourself, your child and the teachers.

1st Visit - is ½ hour one to one with the Team Leader. She will introduce you and your child to our programme, the surroundings, discuss routines and explain our enrolment pack.

2nd Visit - is 1 hour. ½ hour to settle your child and then leave the centre for the second ½ hour.

3rd Visit - normal two hour session.

This process will be different for each child and their family and we will all work together to make this transition.

Transitioning to the "Kaho" area

When children are transitioning to the larger group, we will gradually introduce them to the teaching programme closer to two and a half years of age. Separate information will be provided to parents during transition, which will include information about the daily programme.