Our Philosophy

 

The Children’s Ark is a community based early childhood centre that affirms Christian values and beliefs.  We offer every child and their family a safe, positive and challenging learning environment, where the emphasis is on fun and building strong foundational learning dispositions.

Our professional teaching team believes that each child is unique and that young children learn best through play. The programme is based on Te Whāriki, and aims to build on each child’s strengths and interests. Children are encouraged to make their own play choices and to actively experiment, explore and extend their thinking with support and guidance. Teachers work hard to ensure that learning opportunities are not limited by age, gender, ability or background.

We acknowledge the role of family as the first teacher and support families to participate in all aspects of our programme. In building parent partnerships we aim to understand the priorities, interests and concerns of the children, families and community we serve.

At the Children’s Ark, children will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop their communication skills

  • Work with, and alongside others

  • Develop a sense of independence and feel confident about who they are

  • Problem solve and take risks

  • Be creative and expressive

  • Develop early maths, literacy and science skills

  • Develop a strong interest and respect for the natural world

  • Accept and follow limits and boundaries

  • Develop positive self help and self management skills

  • Develop their spiritual awareness

  • “Develop knowledge and an understanding of the cultural heritages of both partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi” (Te Whāriki), also, showing an interest and enjoyment in, differences between a wide range of cultures, with a special focus on learning about Christian beliefs and values, as well as tikanga Māori.

  • Have fun learning

For our younger children all of the above applies, but we have developed a philosophy incorporating the Pikler Approach which “is based on a kind and respectful relationship between an adult and infant, through tender care moments, a naturally paced motor development, free movement and uninterrupted play.”

“Te Whāriki” is the Ministry of Education’s early childhood curriculum policy statement and provides a framework for children’s early learning and development, emphasising the learning partnership between teachers, parents and families.

“Tikanga Māori” is generally taken to mean “the Māori way of doing things”. It is derived from the Māori word tika meaning “right” or “correct” and applies to matters of culture, custom, and protocol, etc.