Welcome to Our Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Silverdale
We specialise in early learning and childcare in Silverdale and the broader Hibiscus Coast area. We are dedicated to providing expert care and education for children from birth to age 3 and beyond, in a nature-based, nurturing environment designed to support their growth at every stage.
Our approach is inspired by the principles of Dr Emmi Pikler, Reggio Emilia, Te Whāriki, and The Virtues Project, ensuring that children receive the highest quality of care and education.
By combining the latest knowledge in brain development with personalised attention, we create a loving atmosphere that encourages emotional, social, and cognitive development. This approach empowers children to explore, learn, and grow confidently.
Partner with us to ensure your child receives the best start in life, fostering the skills they need for a bright future.
Meet Our Founder & Director
Melanie Howard, our founder and director, began her teaching journey in 1995 as a parent. Since then, she has supported children of all ages, including those with additional learning needs, and has led teams and managed centres. Melanie is also trained in The Virtues Project, which aligns with her commitment to fostering a nurturing and values-driven environment. Now, as a co-owner of the centre, she is proud to see her dream come to life.
Melanie Howard
Our Values in Early Learning and Childcare
Child-Centred Learning
Guided by the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and Dr. Emmi Pikler, we prioritise the unique interests and developmental needs of each child. As a result, our approach encourages children to explore their environment, ask questions, and express themselves, fostering a love for learning rooted in their individual experiences.
Holistic Development through Active Play
We embrace the Te Whāriki framework, which highlights the importance of active play and physical exploration in early childhood education. Through activities like messy play in mud and rain, children not only build resilience and confidence but also develop essential social skills. These interactive games promote teamwork and cooperation, contributing to their overall growth.
Cultivating Values and Environmental Responsibility
Our commitment to The Virtues Projects instils important values such as empathy, respect, and responsibility in children. We also advocate for sustainable practices by minimizing plastic use and promoting eco-friendly materials. We teach children to appreciate and care for the environment while fostering their creativity through natural play experiences.
Testimonial
Why Choose a Nature-Based Learning Centre?
We believe in the transformative power of nature for a child’s development. Here’s why our nature-based approach sets us apart:
Enhanced Learning Through Nature
Nature provides endless opportunities for hands-on, real-world learning. Children engage with their environment, exploring the outdoors and developing a deeper connection to the world around them—fostering curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Holistic Development
Nature-based learning promotes physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. By engaging in outdoor play, children improve motor skills, foster creativity, and build social connections while developing resilience—key aspects of the Te Whāriki curriculum.
Connection with the Environment
In today’s digital age, fostering an early connection to nature is more important than ever. Our curriculum integrates environmental awareness, sustainability, and respect for the planet into every activity, allowing children to grow up as kaitiaki (guardians) of Aotearoa’s beautiful environment.
Health and Well-Being
Being outdoors boosts mental health, reduces stress, and increases overall well-being. Nature-based play encourages physical activity, which promotes good health and helps children build strong, healthy bodies.
A Different Kind of Learning
Unlike traditional settings, where children are often confined to classrooms, our centre places a strong emphasis on outdoor exploration. We blend structured learning with the freedom to roam, creating a rich, dynamic environment that fosters curiosity, growth, and a sense of connection to nature.
Addressing Concerns
We understand that parents may worry about their child getting dirty while playing with mud or water, or the risk of getting sick. Here’s why we believe these experiences are not only safe but beneficial:
Learning Through Play
Getting dirty is part of the learning process! It helps children develop sensory awareness, creativity, and a sense of adventure. Our educators guide children in washing their hands and ensuring they stay clean and comfortable.
Health and Safety
We take health and hygiene seriously. While outdoor play in nature might involve playing in puddles or exploring dirt, we ensure that our environment is safe and supervised. Water play is done with care, and children are encouraged to dry off and change into clean clothes when necessary.
Building Immunity and Resilience
Exposure to different environments, like playing with mud or water, helps build a child’s immune system naturally. These experiences foster resilience and teach children how to navigate different situations safely.
Preparing for Play
To ensure your child is ready for a full day of outdoor adventure, we advise parents to dress their children in clothes suitable for play. We also recommend bringing several changes of clothes, a sun hat, and gumboots, so they can stay comfortable and prepared for whatever the day brings.
Ready to learn more about our early learning and childcare centre?
- 165 Wainui Road, Silverdale 0932
- (09) 421 0445
- manager@yourplacechildcare.co.nz
- www.yourplacechildcare.co.nz
- Your Place Childcare
- Your Place Childcare
