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Our People

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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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Angela Howard, Team Leader

Kia Ora, my name is Angela. I have been teaching since 1990. I taught new entrants until my family and I emigrated to New Zealand in 2009 after which I became involved in, and recognised my passion for, early childhood education. I believe in providing experiences for children to learn in their own time and at their own pace in a calm environment that is accepting of each child's differences. I believe in building trusting relationships with our whanau and building on each child's strengths and interests. Through uninterrupted play, children talk about and try out new ideas with friends.

Just as our tamariki are learning , I believe educators constantly need to further their learning, knowledge and skills. We learn through professional development opportunities, other team members and of course the children themselves. We all learn from each other.

Higher Diploma in Education (South Africa) (equivalent to NZ Bachelor of Teaching).