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Meet the Kaiako: Omahu Road Totara
Meet the Kaiako: BestStart Omahu Road - Totara
Claira
Throughout my life, I didn't know where or what direction I wanted to go in. Before falling pregnant I embraced every experience, opening doors wide open and gaining a world of knowledge through life experiences. When I started to look into careers I reflected on my life and pinpointed things that surrounded me. From a young age I always found I was counselling the adults in my life and those around me. Often carrying the weight of others on my shoulders. I did a short course in counselling and came to realise I can still be that person for others but questioned where I could create ripples of effect from the very beginning. That is when I found early childhood education. I knew when I first started I could pour all of my passion, awhi, and support into setting up our younger children up for educational success and came to understand how incredibly important the first five years of a child's life is. I have a career that I wake up to every morning with purpose and gratitude. If you have ever seen me driving to work then you will know how excited I am, as you can see me singing and dancing in the car. I'm a firm believer that a job isn't a job if you love what you do. Working with children, alongside whānau and wonderful team is incredibly fulfilling and that early childhood education is exactly where I'm meant to be, with my two feet firmly on the ground embracing and enjoying every single day.
Jahydee
Kia ora ko Jahydee toku ingoa, ko Tuhoe te iwi.
I am from Hawkes Bay and I live in a household with my parents and three sisters. I love spending time with family, listening to music, and having fun.
I am currently studying at EIT, I am in the middle of my second year studying my Bachelor of Teaching (ECE).
I am passionate about ECE as I believe that children's first years are most important for their development and growth. I love the idea of coming into work each day, working alongside tamariki to pave the way to their future. I am privileged to work alongside tamariki expanding both the children's and my own knowledge. I am inspired by the pickler philosophy with giving children freedom of movement and giving them a choice as well as Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory as I believe children learn best through interactions.
Ann
Hey I'm Ann, I have lived in Hawkes Bay all my life. I enjoy going to the gym and try to keep active, as well as enjoying as much relaxing time as possible. In my downtime, I like to split my time spent with my own family and close friends.
I have been working in the childcare industry for nine years starting as a nanny and gaining my New Zealand Certificate in Nanny Education. I have worked at BestStart for seven years this year and am currently in my second year working towards my Bachelor of Education (ECE). I am caring and flexible and really enjoy making connections with the children and having a positive impact on their learning journey while they are with us. I strive to make children feel safe and happy within themselves to be open to learning each and every day.