About Us
Session Times
Rawhiti kindergarten is now operating under a 6 hour kindergarten day.
At present we are working through the transition process, intergrating the two sessions into one. It will take two or three terms probably before we are operating as planned. Eventually we will be offering a 40:30 service. This means we will be holding 6 hour sessions for 30 children and 4 hour service for 10 children.
6 hour Sessions: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.45 - 2.45 Wednesday 8.45 - 1 pm.
4 hour Sessions: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.45 - 12.45 Wednesday 8.45 - 1 pm.
Our Philosopy Statement
Our aim is to help the children become competent and confident learners and communicators, providing an environment that is warm and caring which will foster good self esteem and a sense of security.
We believe that play is an appropriate and effective method of learning for young children. Through their play, children learn from their successes and failures and the staff are there to ensure that this happens in the safest way. Children will have the opportunity to make choices, develop their own ideas and work at their own pace. The teachers use scaffolding as a technique to support children's development.
The staff believe in the vital importance of using language to extend children's thinking and broaden their vocabulary. Dramatic experiences and an extensive range of literature will also enhance the children's language development.
We provide opportunities for a variety of experiences that will encourage the development of self expression, self esteem, self help skills, experimentation and exploration, conflict resolution in a peaceful way, cognitive skills and a sense of fun. We value each child's uniqueness.
We aim to cater for the individual needs of each child, being sensitive to their culture and not being limited by gender, race or ability.
We encourage the children to respect others and their belongings so that they all feel they have a place. We also promote the development of physical and social well being.
At Rawhiti Kindergarten the children will have the opportunity to enjoy and explore music through a strong music programme. Resources, both natural and processed will be available to develop skills and confidence with the process of art and creativity.
The Child's physical skills will be challenged and developed using safe and appropriate equipment.
We recognise the importance of family / whanau input and involvement as well as the wider community. The principals of the Treaty of Waitangi are intergrated into the kindergarten programme.
Our Staff
Rawhiti Kindergarten has 3 teachers, 1 administration support worker, a team support worker and at times an education support worker who works with children who have special needs. All 3 teachers are fully trained, registered and hold current first aid certificates. Staff are employed by the Central North Island Kindergarten Association. Please note that due to our change to 6 hour sessions we are in the process of acquiring a 4th teacher so that we meet the 1:10 ratio. We have relievers helping us to meet this ratio at present.
Starting Age
We are still going through the transition process but generally children are starting into the sessions at approx 3yrs 10 months.
How much does kindergarten Cost
Our kindergarten provides up to the Government funded maximum of 20 FREE HOURS of early childhood education for children aged 3 and 4 years old. If your child is only 2 years of age or attends for more than the 20 Free Hours we do charge a fee. Kindergarten staff can advise you about the current fee rate and assist you to apply for a Work and Income Childcare Subsidy if you are in work or training. Fees are invoiced weekly, you may pay by automatic payment through your bank account, eftpos, internet banking, by cheque or cash. It costs $2.00 per hour for children exceeding the 20 hours free.
Daily Routines - this will change once we are fully transitioned and we no longer have any pm children.
A.M.
Session begins at 8.45.
Early mat time approx 9.05 for 10-15 minutes
After mat time - free play time.
Snack time at snack tables at any time, children to wash hands first. Those children enrolled for morning sessions only go home at 12.45.
P.M. Session begins at 12.45
Free play time.
Snack time at snack tables at any time, children to wash hands first.
Tidy up time 2.20pm. Children help with this process
Home mat time 2.30pm - singing, action games and/or story.
Session ends 2.45 teachers farewell each child individually.
Our Expectations
* Children are encouraged to help one another and to respect each others property
and work.
* Children are encouraged to respect equipment.
* Children are encouraged to practise good manners.
* Children are encouraged to share.
* Encourage personal hygiene i.e. All children wash their hands before eating and
handling food, after using the toilet and after handling the pets.
* Encourage the children to tidy up after themselves, leave work area tidy for others
and return equipment to appropriate places.
* Children walk inside for general safety.
* Children are encouraged to wipe up spills.
* Use equipment safely e.g. only come down the slide, use the spades in a safe manner.
* Children may have to be removed from an area if they continue to disregard the
safety limits.