Expansion for Easymind’s programme

First it was Hamilton and it won’t be long before we see ‘Little Schools’ in other regions.

Increasingly three and four-year-olds throughout NZ are getting the chance to prepare for primary school with Easymind Homebased Childcare’s new Transition to School programme planning to roll out around the country.

The programme has been designed for children aged three and four to learn skills in preparation for primary school via an hour long session of learning through play away from the differing needs of two-year-old children and under.

The limit to one hour allows children to remain involved in play-based learning during playgroup, in the community, and in the home as per Easy Mind’s Homebased Childcare philosophy.

Founder of Easy Mind Homebased Childcare, Clare Grace is thrilled with the uptake of the inaugural programme in the Waikato.

“It’s been a huge success in Hamilton and proves both the need for age-specific early education programmes and a strong preference for a lower teacher:child ratio amongst so many parents out there.

“We’re really pleased with our Transition to School programme and are looking forward to expanding it into other regions of NZ very soon.”

Children involved in the Transition to School programme learn some of the most basic skills needed for school. This includes taking responsibility for their own belongings, concentrating on a task, developing self-confidence, social competence and making good choices.

Numeracy and literacy skills are also taught along with Te Reo, exploring scientific concepts and initiating and contributing to group projects.

Ms Grace says, “This is such an enriching programme of activities based on the interests of three and four-year-olds that can be explored in the complexity that is characteristic of the learning needs of children in this age group.

“Centre based program­mes and new entrant classrooms do not have the same educator:child ratio that our homebased childcare service can provide. Our 1:4 ratio provides children with the adult support that makes this programme so unique.”