Infants and Toddlers

At KiwiKidz in the development of a programme that best meets the needs of infants and toddlers, we embrace the respectful approach:

Basic Trust—Letting children be the initiator

Time—Uninterrupted play

Freedom—To explore their environment and interact with others

Consistency—Of limits and expectations

In the Ngā Pēpi Space, our kaiako give their full attention to what each child is doing. Through close observation, teachers provide responsive “educare” that is sensitive to each individual child.

Trust is built between our staff and children through unhurried daily interactions, allowing kaiako to observe and understand each child as they grow. We believe that infants and toddlers are capable, independent thinkers and explorers who can achieve their goals with the respect and support of adults.

Education and care go hand in hand. By focusing on each child during routines and play, teachers remain in tune with children and do not assume they know best.

For infants and toddlers, routines and caregiving moments make up a large part of their day. Each of these moments is an opportunity for responsive, reciprocal, and respectful learning.

Mealtimes are a particular focus for the centre, in the aim of proving a meaningful experience for children.

The children have their meals around a low round table and are seated on small wooden stools that enable children to rest their feet firmly on the floor. This helps with balance and posture and also keeps children safe. The circular table allows for great interaction and conversation between teachers and children.

At mealtimes, children sit together and enjoy this shared time, where our younger children learn skills around eating. It is also a calm, social time where we can talk and discuss things together as a group.

The KiwiKidz team recognises the value of offering children choice and understands the pleasure of eating and drinking from real utensils rather than plastic.

Incorporating Nature

At KiwiKidz At the Beach infants and toddlers are able to enjoy beautiful open spaces outside that incorporate native planting and textures to explore, grass, decks, sand and water play as well as restful spaces to relax.

Primary Caregiver

All infants starting in the Ngā Pēpi Space are given a primary caregiver who provides one on one time and is involved in their care and routines, and connects directly with parents on a daily basis.

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