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Mobile Phones
Kidiwise has a mobile phone in each area for direct contact to your child's teacher.
Ratios
Kidiwise has four separate homes each with their own spacious grounds.
The names and ratios in each room are:-
Nestlings (3months - 2 years), 1 teacher to 4 children
The Moreporks (2-3 years), 1 teacher to 6 children
The Owls (3-4 years) , 1 teacher to 8 children
The Wise Owls (4-5 years), 1 teacher to 8 children
In each area there are 2 registered teachers and at least one unregistered teacher. We have a floater to cover breaks and non-contact time.
Communication with Parents
At Kidiwise we try to make communication with parents as open and informative as possible. We recognise parents are busy and to help with communication we have put the following communication channels in place
Animals
We have a miniature pony 'Sushi' which has a paddock at Kidiwise, chickens and Anna's miniature schnauzer, Charlie, visits.
Kidiwise Van
To ensure our children enjoy regular outings, Kidiwise has a Toyota Hi-Ace van. It is clearly sign-written and may be seen out and about Tauranga. It is used to take the children to the library, local parks, garden centres and other places of interest and activities. Each area has an allocated van day.
Outdoor Activities
To develop the children's motor skills, Kidiwise has all levels of bikes and numerous bike areas. There are balls for children to develop their ball skills and lots of buckets, spades, trucks and outdoor play equipment for the enormous sandpits. Playground equipment includes, ladders, boxes, a climbing frame, monkey bars and swings for the children to practice climbing, gripping and to build up their physical strength and coordination. We have over two acres of native bush for Adventure Bush Walks with bird cut outs along the way, for children to practise tramping, climbing, identify native birds, sliding down the mud slide, walking together and enjoying the bush. We have protective nylon pants and gumboots for the children to wear.
Spa Pool
To build children's confidence in the water, Kidiwise has its own Spa Pool. As with all our activities and resources, this is offered to our children, free of charge.
Meals
Clothing
Sunblock and Hats
Sleeping and Rest times
Children sleep on stretchers with individual bedding provided by Kidiwise. Infant children are put to sleep as required. Toddler and Preschool children needing a sleep are put down for their sleep at 12.30 to 1pm.
Illness
Settling Children In
Particular attention is given to new children to ensure they settle into the Kidiwise programme as quickly as possible. We recognise the change to childcare can be a stressful and challenging time for your child. A teacher is assigned to gradually help your child with the routines, where to go for toileting, the correct procedure for meal times, mat times, current projects and how to ask for things. Here are some ideas for parents to help settle your child in - particularly the younger children
Birthdays
If your child is at Kidiwise on their birthday you are more than welcome to provide a cake for them to share. Parents are most welcome to join us or leave cameras for us to record the celebration.
Programmes
When your child enrols they are given a link to our online portal system - Storypark and also given a special portfolio in hardcopy form which is used to record the early learning and experiences while at Kidiwise. This book records your child's journey of exploration and discovery, special interests and strengths. The books are displayed inside the entrance to each building. Parents are welcome to take the books home at any time. The Preschool children have a filing cabinet with their own individual file to hold their paintings. Your child can check this at any time and take paintings home. At Kidiwise we find doing and completing craft projects is beneficial for the children's development. These are displayed at Kidiwise and individual objects taken home for parents to give 'pride of place' at home.
Gardens
The children are encouraged to develop their interest in gardening and help with the planting and maintenance of our vegetable garden and strawberries, all part of teaching the children sustainable practices.