07-552 0045
2257 SH 2, Katikati 3178
Welcome to Songbird Early Childhood Centre.
Quality care and education for toddlers and pre-schoolers ages 2-5 years.
• FREE* 20 hours over 3’s
• High Child to Teacher ratio
• Inviting rural setting with a spacious outdoor area
• Building confident learners in a happy and secure environment
• Focus on strong relationships with Children and families
• Just 8KMs South of Katikati
Close to Pahoia and Wright road.
Open from 8am – 3.30pm
We are situated in a beautiful rural setting halfway between Omokoroa and Katikati. Beyond the fence is an enthusiastic, caring and nurturing team of qualified early childhood teachers. Songbird is surrounded by farmland and orchards. Set amongst trees and native plants it has a large lawn, vegetable garden, playground and huge sandpit. An inviting space to relax, explore, play, discover and learn. A home away from home.
Our center provides education and care for 2-5 year olds. Our families and whanau enjoy a friendly, dedicated team who are passionate about supporting children on their learning journey.
At Songbird we build trusting, respectful and reciprocal relationships with our children, families, and whanau.
We believe that a secure sense of belonging and community is an important foundation for exploration, discovery, and learning. Children are supported to develop self-management skills to ensure that they have the best preparation for their progression to primary school. Each child has a beautiful record of their learning in a portfolio. This documents how their learning and development is progressing and becomes a delightful keepsake for children and their families.
Philosophy
Aroha – Love
“Leading with love, teaching with heart”
At Songbird we are whānau. Our little nest is made up of nurturing Kaiako and wonderful families. Together we create an environment woven with aroha, care and respect. Kindness, trust, meaningful relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe our role as Kaiako is to nurture the mana of each child and fill their buckets with love.
Takaro – Play
“We love puddles”
We embrace child-led learning through play. Our unique rural location supports children’s natural curiosity and wonderment. We foster resilience, problem solving and a love of learning through our rich curriculum inspired by children interests and supported by our professional knowledge and intentional learning experiences.
Whanaungatanga – Relationships
“Relationships are at the heart of everything we do”
We are committed to building trusting, respectful and loving relationships with all our children and whanau. This forms the basis for secure and meaningful connections which are fundamental to children’s wellbeing. Children flourish when they are given love, time and recognised as unique and valued individuals.
Ahakoa iti, he pounamu
Although it is small, it is of a treasure
Values
Aroha – Love
“Leading with love, teaching with heart”
Takaro – Play
“We love puddles”
Whanaungatanga – Relationships
“Relationships are at the heart of everything we do”
CENTRE OWNERS
Melissa and Bruce Hay
Mel and Bruce are both born and bred Katikati locals and live locally in Aongatete with their two young children. Mel is currently studying toward her teaching degree and has experience working with children from birth to primary age. Bruce operates a Hi-ab for local company Ōmokoroa General Carriers, and can often be seen around Songbird taking care of all of our maintenance needs.
Our vision for Songbird is to create a home away from home, an extension of children’s families and home with a genuine community spirit. An inviting learning environment which is nurturing, creative, fun and secure. A place where all children and families feel valued and enjoy positive relationships with teachers. We look forward to meeting you and sharing in your child’s learning journey.
KAIAKO
UPDATES
Phone: 07-552 0045
2257 SH 2, Katikati 3178
