Childcare options in Otaki

NAU MAI, HAERE MAI,

WELCOME TO ŌTAKI MONTESSORI PRE-SCHOOL

Ōtaki Montessori is inspired by the philosophy, principles and practices of Maria Montessori as well as those that are outlined in Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum

Ōtaki Montessori is a place where tamariki are the center of all we do. It is our privilege, in partnership with whānau and the community, to nurture tamariki with their learning and development. We encourage holistic interactions for every learner through a Montessori lens.

Our community of learners range in age from 2 years to 6 years of age. We are set within the heart of Haruātai Park with access to native bush which our tamariki frequently enjoy.Otaki Montessori is an Incorporated Society managed by a committee of parents who meet monthly. You are welcome to join the committee and encouraged to come to meetings. All families become members of the Society on enrolment. This costs you nothing, but it does allow you to have a say at meetings.

We are a 'not- for-profit' Centre where parents/whanau are invited to be involved in various ways and where their voice is always valued. As we are a community-based Centre we thrive on your input – whether with fundraising, working bees, volunteering for excursions or supporting various projects. We believe everyone in our community has something of value to offer in creating a vibrant and supportive environment for all.

Otaki Montessori is nestled on the edge of beautiful Haruatai Park which forms an integrated part of our classroom learning experiences.  Tui class spend one morning a week immersed in Nature’s classroom, and Kereru can often be seen out walking the track looking at birds, plants, snow on the ranges, and stretching their big body muscles.

We are committed to being living partners to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and honouring the principles of partnership, participation and protection through open communication with whānau, daily use of te reo and tikanga in the classroom, weekly kapa haka sessions, sharing myths and legends of Te Ao Māori, caring for our mara (gardens) and the bush, and ongoing training of our kaiako.  We are currently all participating in a Te Ataarangi te reo course.

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.

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.