Our Teaching Philosophy focuses on Primary Caregiving
At Little Footsteps we practise Primary Caregiving which promotes optimum quality for infants and toddlers by providing familiar teachers, who nurture their learning and development. Primary caregiving provides a special person for each child and a primary contact for their parents/whanau. This supports the development of positive, inclusive relationships with families/whānau.
Our curriculum is specifically tailored for infants and toddlers, using care as curriculum which provides valuable learning and teaching opportunities.
We believe children are capable and competent learners and therefore recognise the importance of free play and allowing children time to explore and engage in positive learning experiences without interruption. We believe that given time and the opportunity to move freely infants will learn physical milestones such as rolling, crawling, sitting, cruising and walking in their own time without adult intervention.
We aim to empower children by promoting self-help skills and support them to set realistic boundaries for themselves. We treat children with respect and dignity and are flexible in our approach, adapting to their ever changing needs. We provide quality, calm and caring interactions which foster secure relationships between staff and children.
We value communication and consultation between teachers, family and whānau and strive to ensure all parties’ values, needs and aspirations are respected.
We support cultural diversity and equity for all children by recognising the unique place of Tangata Whenua in Aotearoa/ New Zealand and the principle of partnership inherent in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi).
Respect for Papatuanuku/Earth mother, our environment and each other will be encouraged.
"I” has a close relationship with her Caregiver, Kahlia. This has been established over time during which Kahlia and “I’s” mum, “K”, have also developed a partnership.
When “I” arrives in the morning Kahlia is there to greet her and her mum. Information is shared between Kahlia and “I’s” mum about how the previous day or weekend went for “I”, and what will happen during her day at Little Footsteps. “I” will spend some time with Kahlia after they say good bye to mum, and then she is placed onto the floor with her friends to Play and Develop - knowing that her Secure Base(Kahlia) is nearby, if she needs her.
Kahlia attends to I’s feeding, sleeping, and changes as the day progresses, in partnership with “I”. Kahlia always tells her about what will happen during these times and gives “I” the opportunity to participate.
Kahlia is aware of “I’s” development and changes through their relationship, and also observing “I” involved in her all important play
