| At Stepping Stones Childcare Centre we aim to provide an educational program that is stimulating, responsive and developmentally appropriate for children. Our aim is to encourage learning with enthusiasm as children develop their own talents and individuality along with a feeling of self-esteem. Planning is in line with the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum Document known as Te Whaariki, along with the individual needs of the children. Te Whaariki is founded on the following aspirations for children: "To grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society". Te Whaariki is based on four broad principles at the centre of early childhood education. These are: |
| Empowerment Holistic Development Family and Community Relationships |
| Strands or essential areas of learning and development arise from the four principles. These are: |
| Well-Being Belonging Contribution Communication Exploration |
| These principles and strands together form the framework for the curriculum. Each strand has several goals. Learning outcomes have been developed for each goal in each of the strands, so that the whaariki becomes an integrated foundation for every child's development. |
