Chipmunks Daycare & Pre-School Centre

Children at Chipmunks Daycare and Preschool Education Centre receive high quality education and care in a strongly supportive family atmosphere.

Adult interactions with children are strengths of the centre. Positive and constructive relationships between adults and children are based on a very good knowledge of children's individual needs and a strong centre philosophy.

The child-initiated, resource-based learning programme is appropriately responsive to individual children's developing needs and interests and is strongly linked to the early childhood curriculum, Te Whariki. Staff are reflective practitioners endeavouring to provide the best possible learning opportunities. The range of activities available provides a framework upon which children can develop and extend their play. The programme is relevant, educators tailor experiences to engage each child in learning, and children actively learn from each experience. Children's ideas and decision-making skills are aptly extended. .

Educators successfully foster children's early literacy and numeracy development from a very early age. Staff are adept at providing such learning incidentally, as part of play as well as more formally through mat times, games and activities. Children demonstrate confidence in their ability to develop their skills.

A successful partnership with parents underpins the centres operation. Parents are involved in all aspects of their children's education and care. Staff are positive role models for children and their families. Children's transition from home to the centre is sensitively managed.

Management and staff demonstrate a commitment to providing a safe physical and emotional environment. Children's wellbeing is an ongoing focus of centre self-review practices, and programme evaluation. As a result, children are comfortable in their surroundings and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging.