At KiwiKids primary care giving is important for both the happiness of the child and the parent. Every child has a ‘special’ person that each parent or caregiver has a primary contact on the staff. The child receives one-to-one interactions from the primary caregiver at KiwiKids and develops a trusting relationship where they know their needs will be met.
Prime Care Moments are nappy changing, sleep time, bottle feeding and meal times. Children sit with their Primary Care Giver in small groups with the same children every meal time. Children who cannot get into the sitting position independently will be lap fed by their primary caregiver; all other children are seated at low tables and chairs where they are encouraged to sit and eat independently.
Meal times are unhurried social occasions where children feed themselves and serve themselves as they grow in independence and competence.
Large outdoor area is also provided exclusively for the nursery so that our little ones can enjoy and learn at their interest level in their own space.
Independence, decision making and reaching their own goals is encouraged in each child. Nurturing and support enables them the confidence and willingness to go ahead and try new things.
Our nursery philosophy, ‘care as curriculum’, is based on the philosophy of Dr. Emmi Pickler and her associate, Magda Gerber – who coined the term educarer –and emphasises the role that the parent and caregiver play in both caring and educating.
http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/3321/win11b.htm (link for Pickler’s name)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magda_Gerber (link for Gerber’s name)
"He [Your baby] learns to do something on his own, to be interested, to try out, to experiment. He learns to overcome difficulties. He comes to know the joy and satisfaction which is derived from this success, the result of his patience and persistence."
– Dr. Emmi Pickler