New child care centre open

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 406, 1 October 1991, Page 5

New child care centre open

BY,

JO

HOWIE

Staff and children of the Waiouru Child Care Centre moved into their new building recently. "It's just wonderful," said Julia Martin, the new supervisor. "It's all open plan and everything is so much more accessible for the children." Julia started supervising the Centre six weeks ago. She comes from a background which spans 20 years of playcentre experience. "I love it here," Julia said. "I like working with regular staff and having a set routine for the staff and children." Julia is moving towards co-ordinating the Seccoh programme in the Centre. "This is where the staff manage areas rather than children and age groups. The children arefree to choose their activity rather than the adults selecting it. The Seccoh programme offers choice to each child. This makes happier children," Julia explained. In conjunction with the Early Childhood Development Unit, she has also constructed regular sessions of staff training. This has included children's art and planning and evaluiating

activities. Resource teachers have taken sessions on team building exercises for the staff. Julia also encourages all permanent and relieving staff members to participate in some form of early childhood education training. "The positive parenting course is a must," said Julia. This term the Child Care Centre is focusing on the child as a whole. That is, teaching safety, immunisations, healthy food and warm clothing. "The only real difference in the children in Waiouru is there is a high non-attendance rate mainly due to sickness. My motto is ' a layer of wool keeps the doctor away'." This essential Waiouru service offers care for children from the age of 6 months and older. The

Centre is now licensed to care for 35 children, seven more than last year so there are plenty of vacancies. "If a mother wants to go shopping or needs to go to the doctors or just wants a break, we offer casual appointments. Just come in to have a look," said Julia. "I feel Waiouru families are extremely fortunate to have this facility. It has the potential of being in many ways a 'model childcare centre'. This is challenging for our team of staff and as finance becomes available we look forward to more equipment, developing the Secooh programme, and improving the outside area. Congratulations to the committee and all concerned in the remodelling of the Centre. It's a job well done," said Julia.