About Us
Who We Are
Ako Tahi is about learning together as one. We provide a home-like environment and wrap around support for the whole whānau. Family support and warm home environment is what makes us special.
Our Philosophy
We strongly believe that childhood should be filled with fun, happiness, and laughter. Our educational approach is one of play-based learning, in which children can spend time playing and developing learning dispositions including: exploration, imagination, experimentation, curiosity, and risk-taking. Play based learning brings a sense of freedom to children, while also allowing their confidence to grow through the many learning opportunities they encounter and deepen levels of engagement. Teachers and whanau will work collaboratively to ensure tamariki are given the space to openly take part in this learning journey and be supported through the structured programming implemented within the centre.
Ako Tahi recognises and values bicultural practice and the foundations that contribute to our specialised programme. We respect the dual heritage of Aotearoa and embrace the mana of Māori and European culture, as well as the historical backgrounds. Ako Tahi embraces New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and the multicultural mix of our community, we also value the contribution and role played by parents and whānau and use open communication with reciprocal and responsive relationships with each child’s family. The collaboration with whanau on their culture often initiates special conversations regarding aspirations in which they see for their tamariki, Ako Tahi value, acknowledge and endeavour to support these. Incorporating diversity within our preschool programming plays an essential part in our tamariki and their whanau’ sense of belonging here at Ako Tahi and is the foundation for a trusting relationship, where their voices are heard.
Our programme aims to create a space where tamariki are advocated for, feel safe, heard and valued. It is therefore with strong conviction and great passion that we emphasise our belief that by nurturing and encouraging unique individuals to grow and develop, we will impart skills and confidence that will allow children to become healthy, confident human beings with a desire to continue to learn. Through a range of learning experiences, positive interactions with teachers and peers, and a wide variety of opportunities and materials, we are creating and facilitating a meaningful educational program where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace, build on their interests, grow in social competence and independence. Tamariki become active participants in their own learning. To enable children to become initiators of their own learning, the teachers at Ako Tahi create a supportive and inspirational environment. To achieve this, we employ staff who possess a passion for working in early childhood care and education.
"Young children’s earliest years are the foundation for their physical and mental health, emotional security, cultural and personal identity and developing competencies" - United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child
Daily Programme
In order to provide our tamariki with clear boundaries and expectations, Ako Tahi follows a daily programme ensuring all of our tamariki feel a safe and secure.
A Day at Ako Tahi
8:45am - 9:15am // Breakfast Club
A time where our whanau comes together to start the day with a full belly and a feeling of connection.
9:15am - 9:30am // Sunshine Circle
A time for everyone to regulate their energy and be guided in their transition to play
9:30am - 10:30am // Child led play
A time where children choose their own play experiences
10:30am - 10:45am // Kai time
A time to gather together for morning tea, a wonderful opportunity to socialise with peers and kaiako. Kaiako will support tamariki to transition back into their play after morning tea
10:45am - 11:45am // Child led play
11:45am - 12:00pm
Time to share the stories of the morning and prepare for lunch time
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Kai time
A time to gather together to eat lunch and listen to stories from our kaiako
Upon completion of lunch, children will be transitioned to bed or child led play.
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Child led play
2:15pm - 2:30pm: Clean Up
Time to learn how to respect our learning environment, children are supported to help clean their learning space and prepare for afternoon tea.
2:30pm - 2:45pm: Kai time and transition to home
Parent Involvement
We value parent involvement at Ako Tahi and our aim is to work in partnership to ensure both whanau and child develop a sense of belonging.
Parents/whanau welcome
Each child’s emotional wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds, so parents/whanau are always welcome to stay a while after drop-off and join in the fun. By creating an open and collaborative atmosphere, we want our preschool to feel like your home from home.
Partnership with Ako Tahi Community Hub
Ako Tahi Preschool and Community Hub work together as one to provide a wrap a round service for our whanau and tamariki, please visit our 'Community Hub' section on our website for more information.
Curious about your child’s learning and development?
We welcome your curiosity in your child’s learning, all information/documentation about your child can be accessed by talking with our open and supportive teachers. Your child’s learning journal is always available for both you and your child to revisit past learning and to enjoy the celebration of current learning/discoveries.
Opportunity to meet with Kaiako
We can appreciate that pick up/drop offs are busy times, to ensure we can ‘check in’ with you, we are always to happy to meet with whanau as required. These meetings can provides the opportunity to share information in a calm and respectful atmosphere ensuring that we are meeting the needs of both you and your child.
Communication
We endeavour to communicate with our families openly and responsively and recognise how important continuity between home and Preschool is.
Please read notices that come home, keep an eye on our website/facebook page and enjoy reading our latest newsletter via email or on the notice board.
We will share lots of our Preschool happenings including the great experiences and learning your child has been involved in, up-coming events, Ministry of Education information and more.
If you have any suggestions, queries, or concerns, please see the Centre Manager.
Internal Reviews
To ensure we grow as a quality early childhood service it is important to continually review our practice. We invite you to share your thoughts about our current policies/procedures/practice as part of our scheduled and spontaneous reviews each month.
You will be notified of the reviews by one of the following methods:
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Email
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Information on our notice board
Sharing of skills or knowledge
Every person has something to share and we would love to have you join our team by sharing your expertise with our tamariki. If you are a superstar with a skill or have incredible knowledge on a topic, please let us know. We welcome our whanau to come and join our tamariki on their learning journeys.
Transitions
Any transition can be stressful for both children and whanau when your child transitions from either the under 2 environment or from the preschool to school we are here to support you every step of the way. Our teachers work extensively to create a plan in consultation with you that is individualised to meet the needs of your child. Communication during this process will be a high priority ensuring you and your child develop a strong sense of belonging.
