Portfolio | Curriculum | Environment | Mat Times | Meal Times
Infant Area | School Transition Programme

The programme at Bright Minds Childcare is based on self-directed play. Tables are pre-set with a variety of activities to promote creativity and to develop new skills. These activities can be familiar or new. Emerging interests within the group are promoted and extended. We recognise that all children learn at their own individual pace, and have their own interests. As facilitators, the teachers provide a range of activities to stimulate and capture the child’s interest.

We value the children’s play as an opportunity for them to learn a variety of skills and knowledge – these include skills such as sharing, co-operation, caring and respect for others, turn taking, positive conflict resolution, listening skills, problem solving, critical thinking and increasing independence.

Portfolio

Children are observed on an ongoing and regular cycle. Learning stories are written which reflect their interests, strengths and development. From this, teachers are able to plan for the individual child, set goals and learning outcomes for them. This then becomes part of the overall programme planning process. Each child has a portfolio where all this information is recorded into. As part of the cycle of observations, these portfolios go home for parents to view and comment on.

Curriculum

We are committed to implementing the principles and strands of Te Whaariki – the early childhood curriculum set by the Ministry of Education. This document holds the aspiration for 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 valuable contribution to society”.

Environment

Our environment is set up for the children with child sized furniture and activities within easy reach for the children. We value the fact that children learn from what is around them… they are constantly exploring their world, making sense of it, and testing the limits. We, as teachers, make sure the child’s environment is a safe environment for them – safe for them to explore and discover new challenges and develop new skills.

Mat Times

We have three mat times in the day. These are prior to the children’s meal times. Mat time is an important opportunity for group activities such as singing, movement and dancing, games and stories. The way in which the child participates in mat time encourages self confidence, concentration, communication skills, listening skills, rhythm and memory.

Meal Times

Meal times are an important occasion for the children. It is here that they learn appropriate table manners, and good communication skills. We provide a balanced snack for morning and afternoon tea – crackers, cheese, fruit, bread. Once a week the children do baking for morning tea. Please provide lunch for your child.

Infant Area

For our under two’s area, we recognise that in order for the infant to thrive and learn, they must establish an intimate, responsive and trusting relationship with at least one other person. For them to develop a sense of their own identity, as well as a sense of self-worth, they must experience physical and emotional security with at least one person in the centre. Feeding, changing, dressing, sleeping and affection from the staff are valuable opportunities for the infant to develop and grow. The one on one interaction builds positive trusting relationships between the infant and the teacher. Age appropriate toys and activities are also an important part of their development.

School Transition Programme

We run a transition to school programme for the four year olds. This is an important opportunity for the older children to concentrate on more challenging activities such as literacy, number work, science, and technology. Here the children also continue to develop their communication and social skills, build their concentration skills and learn new concepts and ideas.