ABOUT TAWA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
Tawa Early Learning Centre is an Early Childhood Education centre that provides quality early childhood learning experiences for children until they attend school. The Centre was opened in 1960 and has operated in various locations around Taupo.
Since 1987 the Centre has been operated by a charitable trust - Taupo Educational Preschool Trust - and has operated from its current site in a purpose built facility since 1990.
Our Board of Trustees comprises of parents and the Head Teacher. A current list of Trustees is displayed on the Parent Notice Board. Trust meetings are held throughout the year and parents are welcome to attend.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Central to Tawa Early Learning Centre's philosophy is the importance of relationships. We aim to develop a partnership with whanau and share the responsibility of promoting growth and development in the children attending. To assist in building this partnership on enrolment each child is allocated a Key Teacher to take personal responsibility for the child’s overall well being, support social interaction, creativity and innovation.
TE WHARIKI
Our programme is based on Te Whariki, the bicultural Early Childhood Curriculum. We provide opportunities for children to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of both partners to the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Reo Maori is included in meaningful ways throughout the day and Tikanga Maori is respected. We support the cultural identity of all children and celebrate cultural diversity.
PLAY HAS A KEY ROLE
We consistently provide a programme of high quality early education with equitable opportunities for participation by all children. Play has a key role in the centre’s programme as it is considered a very important avenue for learning. Sessions are planned with long free play periods provided, so that simpler forms of play may develop into extended constructive play where children are able to become interested, be involved, persevere, express ideas and feelings and take responsibility.
HEALTHY, PEACEFUL
AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
We provide a healthy, peaceful and sustainable environment by encouraging healthy eating and physical development, reducing waste, recycling, reusing and caring for the area around Preschool. Through exploration and connections with the local parks and reserves children develop their knowledge and relationship with Papatuanuku.
OUR CORE TEAM
KATHRYN
HEAD TEACHER
Kia ora koutou, I am an experienced early childhood teacher, having always worked with young tamariki in their early years of learning. I am passionate about supporting tamariki to grow social and emotional strategies through relationships and experiences which will set them up for life long success. Through play in a rich learning environment like Tawa Street, tamariki will thrive and have fun as they learn. I am privileged to support them on this journey as Head Teacher, and look forward to working with whānau to ensure each child's uniqueness shines bright.
ANA
TEACHER
Talofa lava - my name is Ana and I have been teaching here at Tawa ELC for over 25 years. Children fill my soul with love and laughter and I delight in their innocence and pure joy. I believe their minds are built to explore, play and learn and I am here to nourish and strengthen that - to help them develop skills that provide the basis for all future learning. It's important to me to work alongside parents/whanau to help their child realise their true potential and to surround them all with love and compassion. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, reading, yoga and spending time with my grandchildren.
SHEREE
TEACHER
Kia ora, my name is Sheree and after over 10 years in ECE I continue to be passionate about the early years. I believe that through free play, children have the opportunity to explore their innate curiosity as well as having a huge amount of fun in the process. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family exploring our beautiful local environment – in the bush, and on the lake.
MO
ADMINISTRATOR
Kia ora koutou, ko Mo toku ingoa. My two primary-aged children both loved their time at Tawa ELC and now I have the pleasure of working here with this amazing team. My office is located just inside the front door. I work alongside the Teaching Staff providing administrative support and whatever else they might need! It is so much fun watching the children play and learn at our Centre and I just love listening to their little interactions while I work.
CYNTHIA
VOLUNTEER
Cynthia has worked as a volunteer at Preschool since 1986. She is responsible for many of the daily housekeeping tasks. Cynthia likes to read with children and she is also an expert at puzzles and enjoys supporting children to complete puzzles. She is a very valued member of our team.
LOOSE PARTS
SPARK IMAGINATION
The environment provides appropriate and stimulating equipment and resources. Loose Parts are included in all areas of the curriculum. Loose Parts are materials that are open ended and can be used in multiple ways. They spark children’s imagination, support social interaction, creativity and innovation.
WHANAU PARTICIPATION
Tawa Early Learning Centre is open to parents at all times and parent participation is invited and welcomed at a level that will suit each family/whanau.
POLICIES
Tawa Early Learning Centre has a number of policies that allow the Centre to meet Ministry of Education requirements and to provide a safe environment for our children. Each policy is reviewed and updated regularly to maintain relevance and the highest possible standard. All policies are available to view at our Centre.