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.
Mandy
Mandy joined the CCQE team in 2018 and is originally from Durban, South Africa.
Mandy’s commitment to her role sees her encouraging children to gain their independence through learning and play.
As a mum to two teenage girls, Mandy understands the complexities of nurturing, encouraging, and teaching children and takes pride in her ability to be a caring teacher – she enjoys watching children and their budding personalities grow.
Mandy is most content when the sun is streaming, and she is spending time with her loved ones.
Ishwari
Originally from Pune, India, Ishwari has been with CCQE since 2010 and works between both centres.
Before immigrating to Aotearoa 12 years ago, Ishwari was a lecturer in her native Pune, gained a Degree in Electrical Engineering and travelled the world with her husband before setting down roots in Rotorua.
Ishwari is passionate about teaching which exhibits in her caring nature towards the children who she values as individuals with different needs. She takes pride in getting to know each child and encouraging them to flourish.
Ishwari is most in her element when she is outdoors painting, reading, walking and cooking Indian delights to share with her family and friends. Ishwari is a proud wife and mum to a teenage daughter.
Ishwari works between both Pukuatua and Pukaki centres.
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 has already shown a great level of initiative and care for our tamariki and we look forward to supporting her with her early childhood education studies.
When she isn’t spending time with her family and friends, you’ll find Ella in the kitchen creating all kinds of quirky creations.
Ella relieves between both Pukuatua and Pukaki centres.
Elisa
Elisa has been apart of our CCQE team since 2021.
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Elisa has recently completed a certificate in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about working with children.
Elisa enjoys travelling, and wants to explore the world!