Key takeouts:
- Trained kaiako have an important role to play in early childhood education.
- Support and encouragement from our trained kaiako helps children to develop important social and emotional skills, such as cooperation and communication.
- Kindergarten introduces children to experiences that will help to prepare them for their school years.
- Being part of a group, and laughing and having fun together, is a proven way to enhance co-operation, provide a sense of being part of something bigger than yourself, and learn about interacting with others.
- Working with others, finding ways to resolve conflict, and learning how to co-operate are major steps in a young life.
Here to help
Having support and encouragement is essential. And that’s especially true in the early years, when tamariki are finding their way in the world, discovering who they are and where they fit, growing their confidence, and taking early, tentative steps towards greater independence.
We believe in fully trained and registered teachers because we understand how important this role is in stimulating development. It’s about knowing there’s someone there to cheer you on, to tell you when you’ve done great mahi, and to have your back when you’re uncertain, or trying something new.
One of the reasons so many of our kaiako love their jobs is because they can see the difference it makes having someone else there, contributing to tamariki’s learning journeys.
A trained kaiako understands the right ways to introduce an idea, spark a child’s interest, foster engagement, and provide the appropriate level of support.
That’s one of the factors that helps to achieve optimal learning.
Moreover, when a learning opportunity occurs, a trained teacher can spot the chance to build on it, encouraging tamariki to discover more, and ask questions.
It’s important for tamariki to lead the play, instigating it themselves, but knowing they have support, and are encouraged by kaiako to try new things. When learning is sparked by the interests and actions of the child themselves, it’s so much more potent.
Our kaiako are there to cheer on, motivate and assist – and, of course, to help ensure everyone stays Kindy Safe.
If sometimes the teachers are in the background, that’s because we’re letting the tamariki take the lead and find their own path forward.
A trained teacher makes all the difference in the world. That’s one of the reasons that so many people love bringing their tamariki to kindergarten. It’s not just a matter of what can entertain children next, but purposeful activity (backed by sound theoretical knowledge) that encourages their development.
Kidsfirst Kindergartens have long held a commitment to having 100% fully qualified, registered teachers. Our kaiako are so important to us and what we do. Without them, we could not deliver the highest standard of early childhood education.
Back in 1911, our founders went to Parliament to present a recommendation that all preschools and kindergartens should have only trained teachers, but it wasn’t carried, due to the inability of some operators to meet the requirement.
However we stuck to our guns, and since then, Kidsfirst has steadfastly advocated for and adopted 100% staffing in our kindergartens because we believe it is so important.
