Our Kowhai Room is the space for our youngest children aged from three months to around two years of age. We provide a very calm, unhurried and homely environment for our infants. Our group sizes are small which offers quality interactions with Kaiako. Transition into our room is very gradual. We strongly suggest having at least two weeks of visits, as often as possible, before an infant starts. This helps the child and whanau to become familiar with carers and the centre, and for our Kaiako to become familiar with your infant. The primary care relationship between Kaiako and infant begins.
Our infants each have a carer who is someone the infant and their whanau will build a strong and meaningful relationship with. The carer is the person who will support the infant during their “care moments” such as giving bottles, nappy changes and sleep routines. The nurturing relationships are incredibly important and make a huge difference in helping your infant settle into Manaaki life.
We follow the RIE (Resource for Infant Educators) philosophy which is based on deep respect for infants. We believe every infant develops naturally in their own time and at their own pace. Having freedom to move independently is vital for your child’s natural physical development. Our infants’ room is resourced to allow this to occur.
We have two big deck areas and a lovely new outside playground specifically for our infants. Sensory play is in a natural setting with a sandpit and water play included.
The infants each have a portfolio in which their milestones and development is documented. This is such a precious record for the infant and whanau to keep of their journey with us at Manaaki.
(Under 2 year olds)
