Kate

EXPERIENCE:

I am married to Mike, and we have owned our home for over 10 years. We have two school-aged daughters, Emily ( 2012) and Matilda – ‘Tilly’ (2016).

Prior to having my own children, I worked as a nanny, also supported by HGK, since I was 20. Once we were married, we traveled the world, also working as a Nanny in the UK.

We are an active family and love spending time at our rural bach in Maungaturoto, at the beach, and on bush and forest walks together.

I have my Level 3 certificate in ECE (equivalent to the new Level 4) and my current first-aid certificate.

In 2012 I launched ‘em&me Homebased Childcare’ supported by HGK in Totara Vale.

HOME ENVIRONMENT:

I have a large, sunny garden with a playground, including Trampoline, Monkey bars, Lookout with slides, Swing, and Sandbox.

Inside I have an open living area and a special playroom with a variety of resources for open-ended play. I incorporate Reggio-inspired, Montessori and Loose, Natural parts in my home environment, encouraging meaningful, independent free play.

With my current team, I am able to include Project Work. Creating an environment where my Tamariki has the opportunity to learn through play, activities, community, art, song, books, and special outings. Our most recent project has been “All About Me” discovering ourselves through self-portraits, within our community, exploring landmarks, our continents, and their animals, and our world. We have written letters to Grandparents all over the world, who took the time to write to us and send a photo of themselves. We have an amazing display of this on our playroom wall to revisit daily.

ACTIVITIES THEY PROVIDE:

I enjoy time out in our community and attend regular activities, including Mainly Music, Heartlands Playgroup, and both HGK Playgroup and Nature Playgroup.

My excursions include beach trips, bushwalks, playgrounds, zoo trips, and more.

“I love working one: one with children, and am able to do this daily. We have made our own books, sewn cards, simple math activities, self-portraits, and more. I love the connection this allows and how much each child is eager to work with me. I love how I can trust my other children to play independently during this time, something we worked on when they were younger” 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

Every year I organize a community-minded Fundraiser, teaching my tamariki the importance of giving without receiving.

Over the years we have successfully raised money for: NZBCF, Paralympics, RMHC, Kiwis for Kiwis, Auckland City Mission and currently we are fundraising for St John.

Each Christmas we also contribute items for “Auckland Shoebox Christmas” gifting two children in need, a box full of gifts each. We wrap and deliver these as a team.

CHILDCARE PHILOSOPHY:

“I believe in treating the environment in being my 3rd teacher, providing opportunity at home and within our wider community for children to learn, explore and create”

OPERATING HOURS:
Monday to Thursday – 8 am to 4.30 pm