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The move from early childhood education to mainstream schooling is being made just a little easier for young Kiwis thanks to something called a Transition to School Programme.
Big fans of this bespoke programme are John and Alina Cook, owners of Happy Hearts, a new early childhood education centre in Red Beach. They say their transition programme is much more than teaching children how to sit on the mat and count numbers.
“It was custom-built for Happy Hearts by a primary school teacher who was concerned at the lack of preparation evident in children starting school,” John says. “The students who were ready for the school day, classroom structure and task expectations progressed much faster and more happily than others.”
The couple say the programme has been part of their Riverhead centre since inception, and will be an important factor at the newly opened Red Beach centre.
“It’s a comprehensive programme. Learning Through Play flows from room-to-room, culminating in this pre-school structure which teaches numeracy, literacy, art, music and te reo, as well as exploring individual and group work, communication and confidence.
“Simple reading books, fun worksheets, numeracy games and advanced groups are all part of the intentional curriculum, and blend nicely with general child-development themes.”
However, they stress that all learning at their centres is underpinned by a philosophy of fun. Alina says it is very much about learning through play.
Happy Hearts can cater for up to 120 children, aged from naught to six years. There are five staff on site at present, and this is expected to grow to 20 when the open plan centre is fully operational.
“We’re family owned and family orientated, and our teacher:child ratio is at least 20 percent better that the Ministry of Education standards, which means each child gets the care and attention they need.”
John and Alina have welcomed the Government’s recent changes to childcare eligibility criteria, which they say will help more families access quality early learning for their children.
Business Directory: Happy Hearts
