Northland early learning centre

I am a qualified kaiako with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood Education).

I have spent time teaching in New Zealand, Australia and China, spanning over the last ten years.

I have had an exciting career in ECE and I continue to approach the sector with a genuine warmth and curiosity. Providing quality education and care is essential to me, as an advocate to the sector. Creating beautiful spaces where children can explore, create, connect and thrive is central to my philosophy.

Designing a curriculum rich in diverse learning opportunities, that allows for authentic emerging interests to be honoured and documented. It brings me great joy to be a leader and facilitator at Childspace Northland. Supporting every child’s unique journey to reach their full potential.

Tēnā koutou katoa, my name is Asrya.

I studied a Bachelor of Education at The University of Auckland and have a variety of different experiences in the education sector.

I have lived and worked overseas for many years and it has allowed for me to study and learn from pedagogical leaders from around the world.

My great area of passion is infant and toddler care and education, studying both RIE and Pikler approaches avidly.

My son and I love to spend our time in nature, travelling to see family and friends, and getting creative. We are new to Wellington and enjoy getting out and about discovering the many ins and outs of this beautiful city!

Kia ora, my name is Heather and I am a kaiako and kaiarahi of the Kaukau room teaching team at Ngaio Childspace. I have worked at Ngaio Childspace since 2015.

In 2014 I returned to university and gained my early childhood teaching qualification. Prior to this I was a self-employed graphic designer combining work with parenting three daughters with my partner Peter.

I love being a teacher and ensuring that tamariki experience an engaging, caring, and respectful learning environment. I am passionate about offering rich learning experiences through trips and excursions out in our Ngaio and Wellington community. I also enjoy my role as a kaiarahi, head teacher, and being part of a teaching team.

I grew up the youngest of six children on a sheep farm in Mount Somers, Canterbury - my turangawaewae. I like being outdoors and enjoy gardening, home decorating, and sewing. Friday is my day off and I go to golf - and am endeavouring to improve my golfing handicap!

Hello everyone, my name is Xiaoming Ji (姬啸明), but you can call me Sara. I joined Childspace Northland in February 2022.

For the past three years I have worked as a student teacher and then a qualified teacher with infants and toddlers in Auckland and Wellington, which has enabled me to develop professional growth and improve my confidence. I am inspired by RIE/Pikler philosophies and Reggio Emilia approach. Thus, respect lies at the heart of my teaching philosophy, and I believe relationships are the key to everything. I believe that children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places, and things. Without respect, it is impossible to establish relationships. Therefore, I strongly agree that a warm, caring, respectful and trusting relationship will benefit for children’s learning and development, the involvement of families and my teaching and learning practices as well as working collaboratively with colleagues.

I have a master’s degree in Engineering Studies, but from a very young age, I always loved babies. I have natural empathy and compassion for children, so it seems like a natural progression for me to pursue a new career in Early Childhood Education. In June 2021, I graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) from New Zealand Tertiary College and currently I am holding a provisional practising certificate.

I was born and grew up in Dezhou, a small city in Shandong Province, Northern China. I am the only child of my family, so I am loved and cared for all the time no matter how old I am. One of my hobbies is to try my grandma’s recipes and share this lovely food with friends. I also enjoy reading and watching movies in my spare time and shopping and travelling sometimes.

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ki te taha o tōku pāpā, nō Ingarangi ōku tūpuna, Ki te taha o tōku māmā, nō Kānata ōku tūpuna, I tupu ōko mātua ki Rotorua, I whānau ahau ki Heretaunga, Ko Ōhāriu tōku kainga, Ko Adam tōku hoa rangatira, Ko Caitlin tōku tamāhine, Ko Lauren Ryan tōku ingoa, Ko ahau te Tumuaki o Childspace.

Kia ora! I am Lauren, previously the centre manager of our Karori centre I took on the role of Principal at Childspace Early Learning Centres in 2019 as I returned from maternity leave with my little girl who attends Childspace Ngaio.

I was first captured by early childhood education in 2006, when I was a volunteer at a Nursery in England, and it has been my passion ever since. I returned to New Zealand to gain my qualification and completed my Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood in 2009, and my Master of Education in 2015, both through Victoria University of Wellington. I have always had a love for learning, and joy that can found through learning no matter what age you are. Since becoming a parent myself I also have a strong dedication to ensuring our communities can enhance the mana of whānau surrounding children. I have always had a particular enthusiasm for teaching infants and toddlers due to the important and fascinating learning that takes place for this age group. I am inspired by Emmi Pikler's approach and Magda Gerber's parent philosophy which include (as many of you know) principles of respect, trusting relationships, free movement and unhurried care and play moments. Reggio Emilia is another key inspiration for my teaching. Along with strong relationships, the features of this educational approach include promoting a positive image of the child, investigating 'big ideas', listening to a child's hundred languages and creating pleasing environments for children to learn in.

I am originally from Hawke's Bay but have lived in Wellington since 2007. My husband and I live in Johnsonville with our daughter, cat and dog.

My role as Tumuaki (Principal) is to oversee our four Childspace centres supporting the kaiwhakahaere and all kaiako in their curriculum implementation, professional development and management of the centres. I am based at our home office but am often found at one of our centres and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know each kaiako and tamaiti in our Childspace whānau. I also facilitate a variety of educational workshops and mentor teachers and leaders throughout New Zealand. I have a strong interest in the concept of ako - teachers and children learning from each other, inquiry based teaching and learning, and pedagogical leadership.

You’re welcome to contact me on [email protected]