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Our People

Emily Harper, Centre Manager

What inspired you to become an early childhood teacher?

I’ve wanted to work with young children since I was a teenager and have always been drawn to babies. I’ve been working in the early childhood education sector for ten years now and am particularly passionate about respectful practices for infants, toddlers and young children.

What do you love most about what you do?

Having that sense of responsibility for the learning of a child and knowing how privileged we are to be a part of that child’s life.

What are some of the things that set your centre apart?

Passionate staff who see every child as unique, a fantastic outdoor environment with plenty of large open space, and a curriculum that allows children to develop at their own pace and stage of development. Learning is never rushed here at Active Explorers Shakespeare Street.

What is your personal ECE philosophy?

I believe in respectful practices, calm and slow interactions in a natural and home like setting. Children learn best through unhurried routines and in an environment that promotes discovery, imagination and exposure to nature.

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning,  Diploma in Teaching, Graduate Certificate in Management, Diploma in Business, Tourism and Travel

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Veronica Bainbridge, Head Teacher

Kia Ora. My name is Veronica and I am from Hokitika.  My teaching journey began all the way back in 2011 where I worked as a teacher in training, successfully completing my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE ) through the Open Polytechnic in 2016. Over the years I have had the opportunities to work with all ages. I am truely passionate about providing a calm, respectful home like environment where children can have fun and really develop and grow into strong, independent and capable learners.