Te Ōki Early Learning Centre
Your home away from home
This Is Our Story
Welcome to Te Ōki Early Learning Centre. We have been in the Te Awamutu community for a number of years, recently with a name change (Previously known as Crackerjacks Preschool). Te Ōki is proudly owned by locals Abby and Lawrence Cheney, Abby has been at the centre for more than ten years and teaching for more than twenty.
Why Te Ōki?
Te Ōki translates to 'The Oak' as does 'Cheney'. The oak tree also has great meaning behind it, signifying resilience, strength, wisdom and courage which we hope to support our tamariki to develop during their time with us. We have strong roots within the community and we continue to build upon that to nurture the relationships we have built with whanau and the local community as a whole.
What Makes Us Special
Special Teachers
Tamariki are assigned a special teacher as they transition into the centre. This is one person to connect with and be able to rely on during this process
Flexibility
We work around your roster as much as we possibly can, do you need to change days? Finished work early? Got an appointment? Let us know, we are here to help.
Whānau Events
We are passionate about supporting our tamariki to be able to share their environment with you! This means that we welcome whānau to disco evenings, Matariki and other events.
Rooms
At Te Ōki we have three rooms for our tamariki, these are Kākano (0 - 18m), Mātātupu (18m - 3 years) and Tupu (3 years+). These age ranges are a guide only, children will transition when they are ready for new challenges and experiences
Kākano (0 - 18m)
In this room we have four teachers for generally ten children with a 1:3 ratio. Our tamariki have their own space to learn and thrive in with passionate kaiako to support them
Mātātupu (18m - 3 years)
In this space we have seven kaiako to support our tamariki. They have a large space including a 'covered area' where they are able to be outside at all times of the year.
Tupu (3 years+)
These are our biggest tamariki, they too have seven kaiako supporting them in a large natural environment full of challenges!
"With the lower ratios it means my child is getting more quality care and education. Also the large environment both covered and uncovered means my child can be indoors and outdoors all year round!!!"
Kayla Bromwich
Our Philosophy
Poipoia te kakano, Kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom
RELATIONSHIPS
We value the uniqueness and culture that each child brings to the centre and together we foster a sense of whanaungatanga based on caring and respect and tikanga inform our daily practice
Nurturing, responsive interactions with key teachers result in quality relationships between Kaiako and Tamariki where awhi is at the heart of everything we do
Our respectful care practices nurture, empower and acknowledge the mana and uniqueness of each child
Rich relationships celebrate friendships, personality, diversity, individuality
We promote manaakitanga and support Tamariki to develop social-emotional competence through thoughtful, caring teaching practices
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
Children’s curiosity, confidence and competence is supported through planned and spontaneous programmes that are based on the thoughts, ideas and interests of Tamariki and Ako is enhanced through reciprocal learning relationships
Nature is our teacher, woven in through sustainability, kaitiakitanga, all weather outdoors play and natural resources
Children have the freedom to be adventurous – exploring, discovering and learning whilst doing so in an inclusive environment with responsive and respectful Kaiako
EMPOWERMENT
Through Kotahitanga, we work hand in hand with whānau to provide flexible, individualised opportunities for Tamariki to learn and grow
We aim to create an environment rich in mauri where children grow to be competent, confident, enthusiastic learners and communicators, with a sense of purpose and belonging that will enable them to make a valued contribution to society
“OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.”
Dr. Seuss