How We Teach
Me pehea te ako
Guided by our vision, philosophy and curriculum priorities that place tamariki at the centre of their own learning we can create a safe learning environment that is responsive to each child’s unique journey.
We champion a play-based learning environment that supports tamariki to learn and grow at a pace they set for themselves, supporting social and emotional growth as they learn alongside a ratou hoa (friends).
The strong reciprocal relationships that we form are based on trust, respect, and aroha (love) enabling us to nurture an environment that celebrates individuality, embraces diversity, and allows personalities to shine through.
Ko te ahurei o te taitamaiti aroha o tatou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
Curriculum
Marautanga a rohe
Te Whāriki (2017) provides a framework in which we build a culturally responsive and locally-based curriculum on the learning aspirations and priorities identified alongside tamariki, whānau and kaiako.
We create an environment that celebrates tamariki, strengthens learner identities, engages whānau and kaiako, inspiring all in our learning community.
Our curriculum priorities are:
- Play-based learning (exploration/mana aotūroa)
- Social and emotional competence (wellbeing atua)
- Ā tōna wā (belonging/mana whenua)
- Cultural partnerships and relationships (contribution/mana tangata)
- Children as strong and effective communicators (communication/mana reo).
Through our curriculum, the way we teach and our philosophy we are invoking the metaphor of Te Whāriki being a mat for all to stand on.
He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.
Meet Our Team
Sheryl
In 2003, following a decade of early childhood experience, Sheryl established CCQE to provide quality preschool education and care for local families seeking a more personalised provider.
Since CCQE’s inception, Sheryl continues to be heavily involved with both centres, the children and their families and is responsible for overseeing the management of the centres as well as working on the floor teaching.
Sheryl holds a Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (full registration) and is proud to provide a nurturing environment, encouraging tamariki (children) to become confident and competent learners.
With limited enrolments and staff turnover, Sheryl believes they can build trust, respect and genuine relationships with children and their families, enabling a positive transition to and from home.
An active voice in the early childhood sector, Sheryl encourages her team to regularly upskill above and beyond legislative requirements to ensure they can provide the best care and education.
Sheryl is a proud grandmother and has two adult children and a husband whom she enjoys spending time with.
Alison (Ali)
Born and raised in Rotorua, Ali has been with CCQE since 2015 and working in the industry for nearly three decades.
Ali has been working with children as a fully registered teacher (Diploma of Teaching – Primary) since 1994 which sees her kete (basket) of skills full of teaching strategies and first-hand experience. Building confident learners and communicators is a passion for Ali.
Ali is a proud mum to two teenage children and six rescue animals – three cats and three dogs!
Kylie
Kylie has a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) (full registration) and has been working in early childhood education for 16 years, nine of those with CCQE.
With a wide range of teaching strategies, Kylie’s skills, experience, and calm nature are great assets. Kylie strives to teach in an ‘unhurried’ atmosphere to allow tamariki (children) the time and space to explore, allowing them to master new skills.
Kylie is married and has four children. In her spare time (what spare time!) she enjoys gardening, op-shopping, and getting stuck into a good movie.
Ella
A prodigy of CCQE herself, Ella started with us at 11 months old and was with us until she headed to primary school and has since returned to gain childcare experience.
After completing high school, Ella undertook a year of nursing at Toi Ohomai before realising her passion lies in working with young children.
Ella has been employed by CCQE since March 2022 and is currently working towards her bachelor of teaching with New Zealand Tertiary College.
When she isn’t spending time with her family and friends, you’ll find Ella in the kitchen creating all kinds of quirky creations.
Shaydean
A prodigy of CCQE herself, Shaydean was one of the first children enrolled with us at Pukuatua.
After completing high school in 2015 Shaydean joined our CCQE Pukaki street team full-time until she left for maternity leave in 2019.
Shaydean now works full-time with us here at CCQE Pukuatua street and is currently working towards her bachelor of teaching with New Zealand Tertiary College.
When Shaydean isn’t at work she is busy being a mum to her son.
Charmaine
Charmaine was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand with her whanau in 2007 .
Before coming to CCQE Charmaine taught in other childcare centres in Rotorua.
Charmaine joined our CCQE Whanau in 2022 where she was relieving between both centres and became full-time at Pukuatua Street in 2023
A lover of anything crafty, you will often see Charmaine at the crafts tables enjoying a kōrero (talk) with the children whilst they learn by exploring new textures, techniques, and challenges at the craft station.
Charmaine is Married and has 2 teenage boys.
In her spare time, you will catch Charmaine with her whanau going to the beach to swim and eat fish and chips. They also love outdoor fires and camping!
Tessa
Tessa was born and raised in India, in a state called “Kerala”. She came to New Zealand in 2023 to pursue a Master of Teaching Early Childhood Education. She completed her studies in 2024 and joined our CCQE whanau in February 2025.
In her spare time, Tessa loves baking, doing embroidery, shopping and exploring places.
