Childcare options in Brockville

We are nestled in the heart of the community, adjacent to Brockville School in a sunny north-facing spot with great city views.

We are a three-teacher team with an equity-funded support worker, providing an inclusive mixed age session which supports children to be independent and confident lifelong learners.

Tamariki flourish in an environment with a programme reflecting social competency, biculturalism and sustainability/kaitiakitanga.

We pride ourselves in being welcoming, friendly and inclusive and this is reflected through the tamariki engagement within the Kindergarten.

Wild Things offer the highest quality home-based early childhood service - where children can be children, and nothing is more important than that.

Where children and their families are our whānau

Our service caters to families with a diversity of needs, acknowledging parent/whānau needs and aspirations for their children. Parents and whānau are made to feel welcome, and we are available to discuss formally or informally their child’s progress. Wild Things support partnerships with families/whānau and educators / Kaiako to create the best learning outcomes for your children. With over 15 years’ experience in the early childhood education field, Wild Things are committed to offering professional, quality early childhood education. The Wild Things team supports an ever increasing number of families throughout the Lower South Island who wish to engage the services of a home-based educator / Kaiako.

Our Educators / Kaiako

Our educators / Kaiako are trained to provide the highest quality home-based early childhood care and education for your children. So if your family is looking for a dedicated educator / Kaiako for your children Wild Things are here to help.

A safe & nurturing environment

Research has proven that the first three years of a child’s life is when most brain development occurs - and that development is directly linked to the baby’s environment. This is why we believe it is important that a child’s environment is safe and nurturing where the child forms secure attachments due to primary care and small group size.

Where children can reach their full potential

Wild Things is a professional service that provides families with the highest quality early childhood education and care. We want you to feel confident knowing Wild Things only recruit the very best educators / Kaiako to nurture your children to reach their full potential. We will work with you to choose an educator / Kaiako who will most benefit your child’s needs, your circumstances, and your family values, and we are always available for you to call should you have any concerns - we believe open communication is essential.

Home-based educators / Kaiako are first choice for kiwi families

Home-based educators / Kaiako are now the most popular choice for parents seeking quality child focused early childhood education. The home-based educator / Kaiako works in her own home, and provides a quality educational programme for up to 4 pre-school children. She is supported by her visiting teacher to provide opportunities for children to participate in experiences that suit their individual interests within the day to day happenings of a home setting. Home-based educators / Kaiako choose the days and times they work, and can offer flexibility in hours.

In order to choose an educator / Kaiako for your child, the visiting teacher will discuss with you and match your family requirements with a pre-selected and screened educator / Kaiako. Emphasis is placed on matching your specific needs with the appropriate educator / Kaiako.

Our home-based educators / Kaiako hold or are working towards the Open Polytechnic level four Certificate in Early Childhood Practice and hold a current First Aid certificate.

Advantages of being with a Home-based Educator / Kaiako:

• In the educators’ / Kaiako home
• Small group interaction
• Thorough screening of educators / Kaiako
• Matched to family expectations
• Consistent group dynamic
• Convenience
• Flexible hours
• Consistent adult relationships
• Local knowledge and involvement
• Visiting Teacher guidance and support
• Outings and excursions
• Playgroups, music groups, gym groups,
• Wild Things Readiness for School programme
• Individual child led learning programme

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.