Pre-schoolers share in birthday

Mangawhai’s early learning centre Before Six, and most lovable ‘school for scoundrels’ is turning eight years old.

Though Manager Cherie Green has only been at the centre for six months, her wealth of experience melds well with the staff of nine which includes three who have been members since day one. Gay Carpenter, Sharon Hillier and Tarsh Rambaud have been a part of the lives of many siblings from a number of Mangawhai families with Tarsh now having two of her own youngsters on the roll.

As with society, the centre has undergone several changes over the years especially through compliance with OSH regulations though the aim remains the same: to keep the children happy healthy and safe, give them the social interaction they need and to prepare them for the transition into full time schooling when they turn five years old.

“We all have different experiences and knowledge,” says Cherie of her registered staff, “so together we are able to overcome any foibles that the youngsters may have such as shyness, food preferences or certain behavioural traits. Things like our morning hui, karakia and sing-alongs soon have them losing some of their inhibitions and joining in.”

Communication and sharing is a big part of the daily activities for up to 50 pre-schoolers that the centre is licenced for with learning and play dished up in equal portions and with a separate programme for the under-2s.

Presently some of the older ‘students’ are showing lots of interest in the tadpole to frog transition in the aquarium while others are obviously quite at home skimming through pictures on the i-Pad, technology being an essential tool in todays schooling.

To date over 500 children have passed through the centre and the staff are proud of the part they have played in the lives of young Mangawhai while at the centre and in the following years as well.

Birthday celebrations include special offers for parents, so do yourself and your child a favour, pop in, talk to the team and see how Before Six early child education centre earned a big ‘thumbs up’ from the Education Review Office. We think you’ll agree.

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FUN & GAMES: From left, manager Cherie Green with Tarsh Rambaud and Sharon Hillier, both eight year staff members, along with Payton (11 months) and a shy Deacon Rambaud (3).