Our philosophy is the anchor for all that we do here at The Tree House. We are guided by Emmi Pikler’s principles of respectful practice as well as Reggio Emillia’s principle that our environment is the third teacher. We are inspired by the holistic approach to learning where children are physically safe, cognitively challenged and emotionally nurtured.  Just as importantly, we use our own heart to guide us in our interactions with the children and our families. 

 

We value relationships, beauty,  peace, creativity, love, kindness and respect in everything we do.

 

Whanaungatanga - Relationships

We are committed to consciously creating a homely environment where authentic, trusting, respectful and loving relationships come first. 

Through role modelling and gentle coaching, our dedicated educarers encourage interactions of kindness, empathy and respect. Engaging in these relationships with your children is the most important part of our work as an early childhood educarer, allowing them to fill their ‘emotional love tank’. 

Only an emotionally satisfied child can engage in rich authentic play.

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  We have created a space where children engage in partnerships where they are known, feel welcomed, appreciated, nurtured, embraced, respected and safe. 

We believe that relationships are at the heart of everything, and through our partnership with whanau (families) we aspire to nourish our children's wairua (holistic wellbeing). 

 

Taiao - Environment 

The Tree House environment is a peaceful, child-paced learning environment where children experience uninterrupted time for play to develop and transform at a calm and unhurried pace. Children's ideas, thoughts and feelings are valued and respected and children are viewed as competent and capable in making decisions and choices. 

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Our primary educarer practice ensures all interactions are filled with kindness, consideration, respect, and where children experience consistent limits and boundaries. 

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Our familiar daily rhythms allow for a predictable safe environment where children can be active participants in our routines and rituals. 

Loose parts and open ended resources are a key feature for The Tree House children to build, design, be creative and problem solve. Together with the children, we carefully plan and implement learning experiences that appeal to their urges and encourage hands on experiences, focusing on loose parts and the elements of nature. 

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In our bid to connect with nature, children are free to play outside in all weather conditions. Play in the outdoor environment is seen at the 

Tree House as essential in the development of a healthy mind, body and spirit. 

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As children soak in all that surrounds them, our environment is set and presented with beauty, love, care, thought and homeliness. 

 

Mana - Sense of self

At the Tree House we consciously grow the skills for working together in cooperation, acknowledging personal attributes and virtues each child brings to the interaction. 

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Children are given time, space and optimal opportunity to practice managing their actions, feelings and behaviours within their social interactions.

We help children to identify, name and work through their emotions, paying close attention to how the children are feeling and engaging heart to heart, 

willing to help them grow in their own competence, in their own time.

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 Educarers tune into each individual child and how much independence they need with their self-care, decision making, problem solving and social interactions. We find the right balance for each child between nurturing their independence and nurturing a connection when they need it. 

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Every child is an important member of our society and as they transition to school they are leaving us with skills they are developing for life. They are prepared to take on challenges, meet new people, ask for help, have an understanding of how to take care of themselves physically and emotionally, share their ideas thoughts and feelings with confidence and of course have a heart filled with kindness for others. They leave us with open heads, hearts and hands.