Toddlers ( 2 – 3years old )
Your affectionate, inquisitive, busy toddler is on a journey to explore their world, so they need an early childhood care and education program that encourages their natural curiosity, provides the space and resources for them to explore independently and which recognises and supports their social, emotional and developmental needs. Your toddler, while growing and chang
ing quickly, is still little. That's why it is important that they are supported and guided in building self-confidence, forming new attachments and friendships and encouraged to take on new challenges that enable them to develop the capacity to foresee consequences. In an environment where your little one is able to be creative and make “mistakes”, he/she benefits because they’re learning – they’re constructing meaning, competencyand understanding through direct experiences. That’s why, at Little Seed, our toddler program:
Works closely with parents/whanau to ensure that, where possible, our childcare routines are similar to your home based setting.
Provides opportunities for your toddler to be spontaneous, and to express him/herself in a play orientated environment through imaginative and creative play, storytelling, movement and role play. Activities such as dress-ups and role playing provide opportunities for your child to collaborate with othersand participate in daily “life” activities which is beneficial to challenge them, test their ability to take risks, and discover boundaries.
Provides a wide range of opportunities and experiences for your toddler to repeat and practice emerging skillsand concepts. That’s because this allows them to gain competency and an understanding of what is occurring. So in Little Seed’s safe environment, with predictable routines and loving teachers who are role models, your child’s learning and development is encouraged and allowed to happen naturally.
Provides opportunities for your little one to develop his/her self-help skills, and express their emerging autonomy – for instance encouraging him/her to dress themselves, feed themselves, and care for their belongings. This benefits your child as they are able to develop a sense of ownership and sense of empowerment in their own abilities.
Is designed to be flexible, varied and fun – providing your toddler with an array of experiences to challenge their physical energy. They’ll be encouraged to participate in activities including climbing and jumping, because, as parents know, toddlers are at an age where they exhibit high energy levels. By being active, your toddler is learning about the world around them and discovering how to relate to others. At this age, your child actively uses his/her whole body and this is essential for developing coordination and to gain control over their midline. The reason this is so important is because this movement helps develop balance, the ability to sit still, and learn how to read and write – all critical foundation skills for them to succeed later at school.
Provides daily plans and an early education program that incorporates a balance of group time, individual time, mat time, free time, opportunities to share stories as a group, one-to-one experiences, conversations for language development and lots of choices so they canuse their senses as a fuel for movement and self-directed exploration.
And not forgetting lots of regular loving cuddles throughout their day for your AMAZING toddler! Preschoolers ( 4 – 6 years old )
Your preschool child is full of energy for life, learning and a delightful eagerness to discover their own abilities. At this age, their enquiring minds and hunger for new experiences and concepts makes it so important that you choose childcare where your child’s development and education is fun-filled, offers choices and is based on learning through play. Our experienced team recognise that your little one is at an age of self-expression, so providing a creative, respectful,imaginative, positive environment, will support them in developing their own identity, and confidence in their ability to lead and make themselves heard. At Little Seed, you’ll discover a loving, familiar environment where interactions are affectionate and intentional, where your child is noticed, recognised regularly throughout the day and responded to individually. As an important member of our “Little Seed family”, your child will be well prepared for their transition to school, and gain daily benefit from:
An early childhood environment that encourages them to develop a perception of themselves as capable explorers, who are able to make discoveries, learn about the world and themselves and ultimately, become life-long learners.
Opportunities and a flexible environment in which your preschooler feels respected and that what he/she has to say matters. This is beneficial in supporting them to develop a positive attitude towards learning and communication, and gives them the confidence to present their ideas and experiences through their play.
Incorporating real life learning experiences for older preschoolers by going on excursions to extend their research and enquiry-based learning about the current classroom focus. Your child will be lovingly encouraged to e.g. participate at mat time which may involve activities such as recalling events, re-telling a story and sharing his/her opinion. This is so important for their sense of self-worth and growing self-esteem.
A wide range of early education opportunities for your preschooler to participate in project work, and to develop their investigative and research skills. Your child will be introduced to a range of strategies to explore, be encouraged to try something new, take risks, make mistakes, learn through trial and error, ask questions, make predictions and gain an understanding of how ideas can be expressed in symbols, language and pictures. Their individual interests will be encouraged, and as this grows, so does his/her curiosity and the benefit to your little one is that they seek more information and this extends their knowledge of the world.
Early care and education that recognizes the importance of social and emotional development in the preschool years and helping your child develop fundamental skills for life. These include emotional resilience; building relationships; being self-aware and socially aware; being able to express emotions and feelings appropriately and the security of knowing that their feelings are real.
Affectionate, loving close relationships that are based on trust, the joy in having fun together, and a real knowledge and understanding of your child.
