We offer a programme of both structured and free play while following the Te Whariki Curriculum which is based on the following aspirations for tamariki (children):
"to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society."
We use our natural environment as often as we can to encourage children and whanau to participate in our community. We often visit The West Coast Gallery, Piha Community Library and the local playground to encourage children in their wider learning...
We celebrate special occasions and holidays throughout the year. We put on an end of year Christmas themed concert involving all the children on the last day of term 4 finishing at midday, all parents and whanau are welcome to attend.
We offer an extra curriculum class on a Friday for ages 3 years up.
This activity may change from time to time. At present we have the pleasure of West Auckland Playball.
OUR MISSION
To provide a friendly, welcoming, healthy and secure preschool environment and attention is paid to make every child feel that they and their family/whanau are welcomed and settled into our centre.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Piha Community Preschool is based on the strength and involvement of the community, parents/whanau, which contributes to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the centre.
Our centre runs mainly a free choice, free play philosophy where our educators work alongside the children to encourage, challenge and stimulate them through a wide range of resources. The centre has routines in place for clean, tidy and hygienic practices, ensuring and encouraging the children to be aware of their own well-being. These aspects of the children’s learning and experiences are documented into a portfolio, which provides a holistic overview of each individual child, enabling educators to extend on each child’s exciting experiences and share them with family/whanau.
Piha Preschool integrates Te Whariki (The NZ Early Childhood Curriculum), ensuring bicultural practices are met and this provides a basis for a consistent, high quality early childhood curriculum.
We have also incorporated aspects of the Reggio Emilia childcare philosophy which are appropriate for our preschool. These include the use of natural resources and products, having resources and equipment at the child's level and ensuring that the staff listen closely to the children and respond to their thoughts and ideas to extend their interests and learning.
Ongoing Professional development for staff is encouraged and supported to ensure that our centre programmes are current and we maintain a high quality service.
