Kirsten

Kia ora, I'm Kirsten, I am a mum to a gorgeous daughter who is Deaf. She is the reason I have switched to being a Home Based Childcare Educator with Home Grown Kids. I have been working with young children since I was 13 volunteering at church and babysitting. Since then have grown into my passion for teaching.  I have been working in the Early Childhood sector for 4 years gaining my level 7 bachelor in Teaching in Early childhood education.

During the process of studying for my degree in early childhood education, a passion for learning NZSL was sparked after working with children who had limited to no hearing and no means of verbal communication. In the middle of my last year of studies I had my beautiful daughter shortly after her birth, we discovered she was Deaf, so it has become a priority for my entire family to learn NZSL. As a result of my daughter's growing need for support, I have decided to step away from working in a centre to be able to support her further in her learning. Because NZSL is one of New Zealand's official languages, I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn the language to provide access to early communication and also to foster equality and acceptance for all members of society. Therefore, I am committed to advocating for the inclusion of NZSL in early childhood education programs, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to communicate effectively and feel included in society.

In our family, we live by a motto said by Stitch in the movie Lilo and Stitch 2002 and it goes "Ohana means family, and family means nobody is left behind or forgotten."

My goal with Homebase is to create an inclusive environment where all children feel valued and understood, regardless of their abilities. By incorporating NZSL into our daily routines, I aim to foster a sense of community and empathy among the children in my care.

We have a semi-open learning area where children play and learn, which has been well-resourced to support children's learning interests. Among the many fun activities available at the centre is a cozy corner with books, pillows, blankets and plenty of cuddly teddies that need a cuddle. There is a puzzle table, a sensory corner, a family play kitchen, light tables and construction areas. There are plenty of areas in the garden and inside that are quiet and comfortable to relax in. The backyard of my house is lovely, and it has an excellent flow between indoors and outdoors.

The outdoor area includes a swing for infants and toddlers, a climbing frame, a sandpit and a playground with slides, a trampoline and plenty of opportunities for messy and water play. It is a great place for children to use their large muscles, run and play in a safe and fun. There are several reserves in the surrounding area of the house that have small rolling hills and parks where we can feed the ducks, play in the playgrounds, have a picnic, and go on adventures.

We regularly attend story times and bubble time that are held at the Matatiki Hornby Centre. Walking and going for walks are some of our favourite activities to get involved in within the community we live in, as well as getting involved in everyday activities around us. The activities we provide are based on the interests and needs of the children in the home base, however, the activities include Mat times, singing, dancing, getting creative with paints, messy play, water play, building, imagining, reading, and building.
Other activities

Regular outings to the local parks, learning to be safe while walking together and challenging our bodies on the playground.
Home Grown Kids weekly playgroup, socialising with other similar-aged children while playing, having mat time, and doing crafts.
Home Grown Kids monthly get-togethers, usually a nature activity with other children and Educators.
Bush walks to listen, watch and appreciate nature.
Willowbank excursions to learn about our native animals and give them some food.

My philosophy is to provide children with calm, semi-structured, free-flowing days, where they are encouraged to be independent, kind, and respectful towards their peers, teachers, and the learning process. Children should be allowed to take risks without fear of harm and explore their interests in a safe and encouraging setting. By applying this approach, children are encouraged to be creative, and resilient, and to develop a lifelong love of learning, thus developing the essential skills for a successful future.

As a parent, I believe that every child is unique, possessing a unique set of strengths, interests, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles. It has been my experience that children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore through play, hands-on experiences, and a sense of wonder that lights up their natural curiosity and sense of wonder. When children can develop warm, trusting relationships with their educators and peers, they can feel safe, valued, and heard, all of which greatly enhance their ability to learn.

As an educator, I have the responsibility to create an environment that is stimulating, nurturing, and safe so that it is a reflection of the growing needs and interests of each child. My role is to guide and extend their learning as they develop essential skills as I act as a facilitator, extending, and guiding them. It is my goal to build trusting and open relationships with the parents of my children in my care, since I recognize that their families are a child's first and most important teachers. In partnership with each child, we support them in navigating their developmental journey and achieving meaningful milestones along the way.

Kirsten 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.