Whānau Info

"It takes a village to raise a child."

We hope that you view Footprints as a home away from home – a place where you can come and relax, stay as often as you like and be involved in your child’s learning journey. You know your child best and we value what knowledge you have to share.

Settling in

The settling process is where it all starts. Parents can visit the centre as often as they like prior to their child starting and need to allow a week or two at least for this. We believe that developing a trusting relationship with your child is the most important part of this process and understand that this takes time. During the settling process a kaimanaaki (your family’s special teacher) will speak with you about yours and your child’s needs and be with you to guide you through our settling process.

With our youngest tamariki (0-3), the settling-in process is especially important. We will work closely with you to ensure the best possible transition, which will include multiple visits. We encourage you to change your child’s nappy in front of a teacher so that we develop an understanding of what your child is used to. At another visit, the teacher will change your child's nappy in your presence to ensure your child is comfortable. We encourage you to put your child to bed for their first sleep at the centre and be there when they wake up to lessen any anxiety that your child might feel the first time.

Your child is welcome to bring special cuddly toys and items from home to help them feel secure throughout their day at Footprints.

Getting Ready for the First Day

Pack a balanced and healthy lunchbox for your child's lunch and afternoon tea. Your child will have access to drinking water throughout the day but may bring their own water bottle as well, if preferred.
When your child is over 2, please contribute to our kai ritual by bringing 1 packet of Esi-yo yogurt and fresh seasonal fruit or canned fruit weekly.
Pack at least three full changes of clothes (if a child is toilet training, they may require more). We foster independent dressing, and not all children will remember to place their belongings back in their bag, so please name clothing so we can help it make its way back home again.
A separate wet bag is needed so we can separate wet/dirty clothes from clean clothes.
Pack enough nappies for the day.
Pack any special items needed for sleepers, e.g., dummy, cuddle toy, blankie.
A named sunhat needs to be supplied during the summer months.

Please sunblock your child as they get dressed in the morning and we will reapply at key times throughout the summer months.

Please let us know if you are toilet training your child so we can provide support while they are with us at the centre.

Sleeping

Your child will have the opportunity to sleep or rest on a mattress, cot, or stretcher in a quiet space if needed. Children requiring rest are slept on a needs basis and as close to their home routine as possible. We will discuss your child's sleep routine with you on enrolment, so we can provide a soothing sleep routine similar to home.

The rhythm of the day

In our Soul Room the rhythm of the day is governed by each individual child's needs. As children get closer to two, Kaiako transition children into following loosely alongside the rhythm of the Heart Room to support children in adapting to a more structured day.

In the Heart Room

On arrival children and parents are greeted by Kaiako.

After children have put their own personal items away, they create their own farewell ritual. This could be a hug goodbye, deciding to have something to eat, a wave at the window, or getting straight into playing.

Your child will settle into play of their choice.

Around 10 am we have a morning hui. At this time children contribute to shared values, literacy and leadership.

Followed by our shared morning tea, where our kai ritual begins.

Then more self-chosen play.

Around 12 noon we all come inside for lunch and children that need a nap will do so after lunch.

Outside for more play.

Around 2 pm we all work together to put things back where they belong.

We then have an afternoon hui and discuss all the fun we had, then we have a story or two.

Around 2.30pm is afternoon tea time.

Then we farewell most of our friends, while the children who stay longer get to have more free play and quality time and conversations with Kaiako.

Learning at Footprints

Your child is constantly learning during self-chosen play each and every day, developing their physical, academic and social skills with their peers. This development is captured in Learning Stories. Teachers will explain the learning they are observing in your child and relate that to the goals of Te Whariki (The Early Childhood Curriculum Document). These stories will be shared with you via Educa and in hardcopy in your child's portfolio. Teachers love it when you comment and add to our learning stories. Your voice adds extra value and depth to your child's learning experience. These portfolios become treasured books where your child will enjoy looking back on their learning journey. They are also a valuable resource for new entrant teachers to support your child during the transition to school life.

Communication

We use Educa, Facebook, email, and the centre cellphone to keep in touch.

EDUCA (an online child portfolio software) is used to share important information or news along with your child's learning stories.
Our private Facebook group is for enrolled family's only, so we can share photos of the day, share centre updates, policies, and events.
You can also contact the manager at any time via email at footprintselc@gmail.com or use our contact form.
Ring or text the centre cellphone 027 295 2658 during opening hours.

Young infants also have a daily communication book that will fill you in on daily routines (feeding, sleeping and nappy changes) at Footprints and generally how your child's day went.

Special Celebrations

Your child is welcome to celebrate birthdays (or any other important occasion/festival) at the centre. If you wish to supply a cake/food for the special day, just let us know and we will make arrangements with you.

Transition to School

Being ready for school is a big step, and some are not ready until closer to their 6th birthday, as research has discovered that children's brains are not developmentally ready for formal learning until they are closer to 7 (Nathan Wallis). As your child gets closer to 5, Kaiako will discuss with you what your plans are.

We are here to assist in the transition to school to help make this a smooth transition. Please let us know of the school you have chosen, the intended school visit and your child's official leaving day.

Your child's last day is a special time at the centre, as we celebrate your child's journey with us.

Our ERO Report

ERO visits all ECE centres in New Zealand to assess how well they are meeting the needs of the children and the Childcare Regulations. Footprints last ERO review was in 2023.