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At Small Steps, we view all children as capable and confident learners. We believe that children construct their own ideas and develop their thinking through social interactions, particularly through tuakana-teina relationships. Tuakana-teina refers to the relationship between an older and younger person, where they learn from one another, through role modelling, observation and guidance. Therefore, we also place a strong emphasis on building social competence and resilience among our tamariki. Social competence plays an essential role in a child’s holistic development, as their cognitive thought processing is encouraged, they learn empathy and respect for others, as well as promoting self-esteem and confidence in oneself. It allows for children to understand the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and practice, thus encouraging responsive, reciprocal, meaningful relationships with one another. This sets the foundation for an inclusive program, where children can still be affirmed as individuals, but understand that they all have a right to develop and learn in a supportive environment of acceptance.
