NURTURE - GROW - THRIVE
At Tawa Early Learning Centre, your child will be known, valued, and supported as an individual within a warm, relationship-focused community that partners closely with whānau. With a qualified teaching team, small group sizes, and a dedicated key teacher for each child, we create a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can thrive socially, and emotionally while also offering the benefit of being closed during primary school holidays, giving families time together throughout the year.
Established in 1960, we continue to provide quality early learning experiences for children under the guidance of a charitable Trust - Taupo Educational Preschool Trust.
Our Board of Trustees comprises of parents and the Head Teacher. A current list of Trustees is displayed
on the Parent Notice Board. Trust meetings are held throughout the year and parents are welcome to attend.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe in creating a warm and nurturing environment where tamariki feel safe, confident, and comfortable to be themselves. Whānau are at the heart of our centre, and we value strong, respectful relationships that create a genuine sense of belonging. We provide a fun, enriching space where learning through play supports creativity and problem-solving, and where kindness and respect underpin positive social connections. We recognise and celebrate each child’s unique strengths and interests, offering high-quality experiences that support their wellbeing, friendships, and a love of learning.
TE WHARIKI
Our programme is based on Te Whariki, the bicultural Early Childhood Curriculum. We provide opportunities for children to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of both partners to the Treaty of Waitangi. Te Reo Maori is included in meaningful ways throughout the day and Tikanga Maori is respected. We support the cultural identity of all children and celebrate cultural diversity.
PLAY HAS A KEY ROLE
We consistently provide a programme of high quality early education with equitable opportunities for participation by all children. Play has a key role in the centre’s programme as it is considered a very important avenue for learning. Sessions are planned with long free play periods provided, so that simpler forms of play may develop into extended constructive play where children are able to become interested, be involved, persevere, express ideas and feelings and take responsibility.
HEALTHY, PEACEFUL
AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
We provide a healthy, peaceful and sustainable environment by encouraging healthy eating and physical development, reducing waste, recycling, reusing and caring for the area around Preschool. Through exploration and connections with the local parks and reserves children develop their knowledge and relationship with Papatuanuku.
OUR CORE TEAM
KATHRYN
HEAD TEACHER
ANA
TEACHER
SHEREE
TEACHER
KYLIE
TEACHER
Kia ora koutou, I am an experienced early childhood teacher, having always worked with young tamariki in their early years of learning. I am passionate about supporting tamariki to grow social and emotional strategies through relationships and experiences which will set them up for life long success. Through play in a rich learning environment like Tawa Street, tamariki will thrive and have fun as they learn. I am privileged to support them on this journey as Head Teacher, and look forward to working with whānau to ensure each child's uniqueness shines bright.
Talofa lava - my name is Ana and I have been teaching here at Tawa ELC for over 25 years. Children fill my soul with love and laughter and I delight in their innocence and pure joy. I believe their minds are built to explore, play and learn and I am here to nourish and strengthen that - to help them develop skills that provide the basis for all future learning. It's important to me to work alongside parents/whanau to help their child realise their true potential and to surround them all with love and compassion. In my spare time I enjoy fishing, reading, yoga and spending time with my grandchildren.
Kia ora, my name is Sheree and after over 10 years in ECE I continue to be passionate about the early years. I believe that through free play, children have the opportunity to explore their innate curiosity as well as having a huge amount of fun in the process. In my spare time I love to spend time with my family exploring our beautiful local environment – in the bush, and on the lake.
Kia ora, my name is Kylie and I am a qualified early childhood educator and have been in ECE for over 20 years. I enjoy supporting children in their play as they learn and develop in our environment here at Tawa Street. I believe relationships with children, their whanau and teachers are very important as the foundation of a child's development and learning. I have 3 children of my own and we love to enjoy the beautiful outdoors that Taupō has to offer.
MO
ADMINISTRATOR
Kia ora koutou, ko Mo toku ingoa. I work alongside the Teaching Staff providing administrative support and whatever else they might need. My office is located just inside the front door of our whare and it is so much fun watching the children play and learn at our Centre and listening to their little interactions while I work. My two children both loved their time at Tawa ELC and now I have the pleasure of working here with this amazing team.
WHANAU PARTICIPATION
Tawa Early Learning Centre is open to parents at all times and parent participation is invited and welcomed at a level that will suit each family/whanau.
REVIEW
''Tawa Early Learning Centre has honestly meant so much to our whānau, it’s been our village, our safe place, our second home. You all loved our baby like your own and that's something we'll carry with us forever. Not everyone gets kaiako who genuinely care the way you guys do... thank you for helping raise our boy alongside us and for always making our whānau feel welcome, seen and cared for."
POLICIES
Tawa Early Learning Centre has a number of policies that allow the Centre to meet Ministry of Education requirements and to provide a safe environment for our children. Each policy is reviewed and updated regularly to maintain relevance and the highest possible standard. All policies are available to view at our Centre.