Learning Areas

We believe children learn best when they are in an environment that is set up to their specific abilities and needs. This is why we have chosen to split our centre into 3 rooms. Each room is designed to cater for the age and stage of the children within it. The rooms are:
Under 2 year olds, 2 – 3.5 year olds, and 3.5 – 5 year olds.

In the Under 2’s room we aim to provide a calm, safe, and peaceful environment for our children. We incorporate Dr Emmi Pikler’s approach to respectful care into our everyday practice, following her belief that infants and toddlers are confident, competent and unique individuals who are focused, self initiating, involved, resourceful, secure, co-operative and curious (Gerber, 1984). Our environment reflects these ideas.

Instead of combining 2 – 5 year olds we decided it was more beneficial for the children’s learning and wellbeing to be split over two rooms.

Our 2 – 3.5 year olds room is designed with exploration in mind. We believe this age group love to be challenged and we aim to provide an environment that allows them to be. We want them to feel safe and secure in the environment and free to take risks and push the limits of their own abilities.

In our 3.5 – 5 year old room we want our children to feel they have ownership and choice over their learning environment. We have chosen to use resources and furniture that can be moved and changed, so that the children can be involved in the set up of different spaces. Children are encouraged to be explorers, poets, actors, singers, artists, builders, inventors, scientists and anything else they dream of being. We want the space to reflect the children within it.

Meals

We provide three meals per day, Morning Tea, Lunch, and Afternoon Tea. Our aim is to ensure that the children in our care are fed nutritious meals which are limited in sugar and salt, and full of natural ingredients, especially vegetables and fruit. We understand that there are many children who have particular dietary requirements due to allergies and intolerances, and we will provide alternatives when necessary.
Below is a copy of one of our weekly menus to give you an idea of the meals we provide.

Our Awesome Team

Marama Vryer

Centre Manager, Bachelor of Education (Primary), with Graduate Diploma (ECE).
‘I began my early childhood journey in 2006 not long after qualifying as a primary teacher. I completed my graduate diploma in early childhood education at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute and soon after was offered a permanent teaching position and my passion flourished. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by exceptional teachers who inspired me to grow and develop as a teacher. As my passion grew I began to dream of one day opening a centre of my own. Little did I know that I would one day get the opportunity to turn my dream into a reality. And not only that I would get to do it with my family along for the ride. I am beyond excited about this wonderful adventure we are embarking on and I cannot wait to share my dream with our new children and their families.

Amy Dickey

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Hi, my name is Amy. I’m a mother of four and have been an Early Childhood Teacher for 13 years. I have spent time teaching both in the under twos and over twos. It doesn’t matter what the age, there is nothing better than supporting children as they navigate their learning journey and discover the world around them. During my teaching career my family spent two years teaching in China where I was able to broaden my teaching skills and experience working with a range of cultures.

Stephanie Robinson

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Hi, my name is Steph. I started my Early Childhood Education journey in 2000 where I studied in Hamilton and gained my Diploma in ECE. I feel privileged that I am and can be part of such an important aspect and developmental stage of a child’s life. Outside of preschool, my interests revolve largely around family life. My husband and I have two children and we are enjoying the joys of parenthood.

Katie Bell

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Hi, my name is Katie. I have been teaching in Early Childhood for 10 years and have two boys of my own. I believe it is important to develop strong relationships with children and their families to support a foundation of love and belonging within the centre. Every child is an individual and learns in different ways. I love to build upon children’s strengths and interests in an environment that is safe, stimulating, and exciting for them to explore and learn to their fullest potential.

Sharon Barnes

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Hi, I’m Sharon. I’m a fully registered Teacher and Mother of two boys. My teaching experience began in a Plunket owned centre. I am passionate about working with Toddlers and I have a personal interest in language and the diverse cultures. I’m currently supporting the Toddlers at Kaleidoscope and see them as being confident learners capable of directing their own learning and growth through play. I value the opportunity to work alongside children and their families/whanau to develop positive and lasting relationships. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Emma Collins

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Hi, my name is Emma and I’m a very proud Mum to my two beautiful boys Braxton and Van who are lucky enough to come along to work with me at Kaleidoscope. I have been teaching for 16 years and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in ECE. I’m extremely passionate about working with under twos and enjoy fostering their needs and wellbeing to become confident, capable learners. Working and exploring alongside children is so rewarding and fills my day with joy and happiness. I look forward to getting to know you and your child at Kaleidoscope and start a wonderful relationship that will shape your little one’s life for their bright future ahead !

Chloe Chatfield

Studying towards Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Matthew Wooten

Marama’s partner Matt has worked as a relief teacher for the last 5 years, averaging about 500 hours per year. He has also been a stay-at-home Dad for their two children, Ruben and Eli.

Lynne Wooten

Office Administrator