Childcare options in Dargaville

Welcome to Busy Bees Dargaville, where we take pride in providing a safe and empowering environment for tamariki to learn and grow. Our centre features three age-appropriate classrooms, each fostering Tuakana/teina relationships and engaged tamariki. Our focus is on empowering tamariki to direct their own learning while ensuring they feel supported and safe. Our diverse range of resources and age-appropriate materials are always utilised to encourage teachable moments and happy, learning-focused experiences. Our clean, open, and inviting centre features a beautiful rural outlook, and our passionate teachers are always proud to show off our rooms. Come and join us and see why Busy Bees Dargaville is the perfect place for your little one’s early education.

In our Wairoa Pēpi space (0-2 years), we prioritise our tamariki and their sense of belonging. Our room is designed to foster loving and trusting bonds between our infants and toddlers and their kaiako. Our kaiako work closely with whānau to establish excellent routines that support each tamati and ensure their individual needs are met.

In Ruma Tokatoka (2-4 years), independence is woven into all aspects of our curriculum. Our kaiako help our tamariki balance the desire to be independent and their need to be nurtured and cared for. We have a focus on emerging social skills and independence where tamariki get to explore their sense of self whilst still receiving the support they need.

Rūma Tāne Mahuta (4-6 years) prepare tamariki for their next learning journey, by weaving our school readiness programme throughout all aspects of the curriculum, in a play-based meaningful way. This programme is further supported by small groups attending learning through play sessions at Dargaville Primary School a few times throughout the term. Our curriculum is designed and implemented through free play and the use of provocations to meet our tamariki current interests and learning dispositions.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.