Key Teacher Approach

As teachers, we understand that change and transition can be daunting to children and whanau.

At Kindy Cottage we endeavour to support both children and whanau during the transition period. We pride ourselves in our key teacher approach to support and settle your Tamariki into our Kindy Cottage Whanau.

One teacher will be introduced to you and your child as thier ‘key teacher’. This means that, this particular teacher will be your child’s familiar and safe person whilst they settle in. They will show you around, be your main point of contact, help settle your child on drop offs where possible and help guide and support you and your child throughout the transition visits.

During the transition visits, your child’s key teacher will get to know you both and learn about your child’s; routines, rituals, likes, dislikes, interests and any important relevant information. They will build a deep relationship with you both which will help to build trust. To ensure consistency and to foster a secure attachment whilst your child is settling into the new environment, your child’s key teacher will be the one who ensures your tamariki’s needs are met and to carry out necessary care moments throughout the day.

We believe that when children have the consistency of one key teacher and build a secure attachment, it empowers children and gives Tamariki the confidence to try new things and explore the environment, aswell as supporting them to develop a strong sense of who they are. Once children feel safe, secure and confident in the Kindy Cottage environment and are familiar and comfortable with other teachers, then other teachers will help to carry out your child’s care moments throughout the day too.