Childcare options in Massey University

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.

Massey Child Care Centre, Palmerston North, provides high quality, innovative education and care programmes for children and their families. It is our vision to provide the best environment for discovery and learning to grow the capacity of our community.

Why choose Massey Child Care?

Massey Child Care Centre is all about relationships!

As George Washington Carver once said, "Education is understanding relationships."

• We are one of the very few community based child care centre's in the Manawatu. This means that all funding and fees are reinvested back into the care and education of your children. We are not-for-profit, we are for high quality care and education for children and families.
• We offer this high quality care and education through above average child to teacher ratios.
• Our programmes (Attachment Based Learning & Community of Researchers) are research based and theoretically grounded. They are written by us, for us to ensure the best outcomes for our children and families. The programmes run at Massey Child Care Centre have also been recognised Nationally for their high quality.
• Key teachers and Primary Caregiving. Every child at Massey Child Care Centre has a key teacher.
• Over ninety percent (90%) of the teaching team at Massey Child Care Centre are qualified and certified as early childhood teachers in New Zealand. With over 33 staff across the Centre the depth of expertise, knowledge, passion and commitment is always evident.
• We do not have part time teachers this ensures consistency and continuity for our children, families and teaching teams.
• Learning environments and Nature Corridors. We have large, open spaces both inside and out where the natural world is promoted, protected and valued.
• We are an Enviroschool. It is the aim of Enviroschool's to foster a generation of people who instinctively think and act sustainably. Click here to learn more about the Enviroschool initiative.
• Teaching teams have an in-depth understanding of Emotional Awareness and the links between emotion and learning outcomes.
• We were recognised by the Prime Minister's Education Awards in 2015 as a finalist in the Excellence in Leading award.