philosophy
The heart of Rainbow Early Childhood Centre's philosophy is to embrace relationships through the principles of whanaungatanga (the extended family concept). Establishing and maintaining warm, trusting and reciprocal relationships between Kaiako (teacher) and tamariki (children) and their whānau is the foundation for creating a strong sense of belonging for tamariki to grow as confident and capable learners.
Whakamanawa (Confidence)
Tamariki are seen as being capable individuals, already possessing their own set of skills and knowledge that is ready to be challenged and extended. Teachers work alongside children and in partnership with whānau, responding to the needs and interests of each child, ensuring rich meaningful learning opportunities are provided to support the development of competent, confident learners.
We want our tamariki to grow within themselves to be able to make choices, to problem solve and to develop their motor skills.
Motuhake (Independence)
The safe stimulating environment and time for play encourages freedom of movement. Tamariki are able to make choices where they can actively participate and contribute to their own, as well as others’ learning and development.
Building on knowledge, skills and learning dispositions such as confidence, perseverance, curiosity and independence builds learners who are confident in themselves; to make choices, to care for others and the environment.
“Just as trees have the ‘urge’ to send their roots downward and their branches to the places where leaves can access the most sun, human beings have non-volitional urges which drive the growth and development of the mind-brain-body. Among the many human urges are urges which drive the play of humans, and these urges are universal.”
- Pennie Brownlee; Teacher, Author and Professional Development Co-ordinator.
Aroha (Love)
The unique place of Māori as a Treaty partner is recognised and valued through teaching and learning; including Manaakitanga (care for one’s well being), Kotahitanga (unity), Tikanga (customs) Ako (teaching and learning relationships) and Whakapapa (relationships with the world, people and life).
Showing respect and celebrating the values, beliefs and views of all our whānau at Rainbow is vital to build an inclusive environment. This is where tamariki develop a strong sense of self, belonging and a feeling of Aroha between themselves, others and Papatūānuku (our natural world).
Offering a unique geographic location in a community based centre, Kaiako continually seeks to improve outcomes for all tamariki, fostering social competencies, planning a range of learning opportunities; including out-of-centre experiences and appropriately supporting foundational skills.
“ I believe that above any qualification, kindness is key to working with children.
They may forget what they did, but will never forget how they were treated.”
– Kimberley Crisp; Teacher, Author, Professional Development Co-ordinator and creator of The Heart School.