Kia ora, I am Catherine, Mum to four adult children, and five grandchildren. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Teaching and have been caring for children for around 30 years in both ECE centres and in the Home Based ECE sector. I am passionate about about in-home learning and it's benefits for both children and their families.
My home is like a home away from home for children. I aim to make it warm and inviting. In our space there are separate sleep rooms, a sunny lounge that flows out to the deck, and a large grassy back yard with a mud kitchen and everything needed to run, jump, bike, laugh and have fun with friends.
The activities provided are based on the current interests and needs of children, but, we like to sing, dance, get creative with paints, messy play, (oh the joys of gloop!) build, imagine and read.
Sometimes we are rowdy and sometimes we are quiet.
We enjoy outings with other Educators which helps build social competence and friendships. Willowbank playgroup, Bottlelake Forest, storytimes, music groups, walks to the park or in the red zone are all part of our programme that we enjoy regularly. In short, we love to explore!
I believe that each child is unique with their own strengths, interests, culture and learning styles. I believe children learn best through play and hands on experiences that stimulate their natural curiosity and wonder. The freedom to explore and learn comes as a child develops warm relationships with their Educator and peers, enabling them to feel safe, heard and valued.
My role as an Educator is to create a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment, based on children's' needs and interests. I aim to be a facilitator, guiding and extending their learning as their skills develop with families playing an integral role as a child's first teacher, I aim to have relationships with parents that are trusting and open. Together we work to help a child through their next steps.
I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth. My goal is to provide children with positive and enriching experiences that lay foundations for a lifetime love of learning, and becoming a valued contributor to society in all aspects of life.
Catherine has been fully safety screened including a face to face interview, police vetting, identity verification have has been fully inducted. A full risk assessment has been undertaken to ensure she is safe and suitable to work with young children.
