Dream Education Programme
Kia ora Whānau! Our Dream Education Programme supports your little tamariki as they grow and learn in their home and local community environments. It is based on the principle that playing and participating in real-life experiences will enhance independence. This approach also nurtures every tamariki's desire to explore and engage in meaningful relationships.
Our Philosophy
At Dream we are all about making family life easier.
We believe that children should be treated as individuals to develop learning dispositions. This enables them to become competent, confident learners and communicators. Children need to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. They should feel secure in their sense of belonging and know they make a valued contribution to society.
We offer children opportunities to embrace the wider community through the physical and natural world around them.
Dream Education Programme
Our Dream Educators provide a secure, safe and stimulating environment to a small group of children. Childcare in small groups promotes your child's learning and development. Your child will experience everyday life situations, allowing them to learn valuable life skills, so they feel nurtured and have a sense of belonging.
Partnering with parents/guardians and whānau, along with Visiting Teachers and Dream Educators, we deliver a programme supporting each child’s learning and development. The Dream Education Programme provides your child with opportunities to gain knowledge of the world around them.
We respect diverse cultures and values, fostering open communication with our tamariki, staff, and parents to strengthen community links.
Cultural Respect
New Zealand has a bi-cultural heritage that we MUST respect. Not only are we committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi we value and respects people from various cultural backgrounds. Understand and appreciating different cultures, ensuring that children and families from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and valued.
Our focus is on building respectful, positive, collaborative relationships with tamariki, whānau, Educators, Dream staff and outside support services. Ensuring we keep Whanaungatanga at the heart of our service.
The Learning does not at Dream
As a team we aim to provide a premium service for our whanau and their tamariki. Visiting Teachers support Educators in their ongoing studies as they further their education both formally and informally supported by the principles of Te Whaariki.
As a team, we engage in respectful, open communication with each other, tamariki, Educators, and whānau. We focus on recognizing, acknowledging, and supporting tamariki’s needs, interests, and abilities through play.
We see whānau as a vital part of the tamariki’s world. Working to ensure they feel welcome, valued, and respected. Providing a Home-Based Early Childhood Environment with a consistent primary educator encourages tamariki, especially infants, to establish secure relationships from which to independently explore and investigate their world.
Is my Child Eligible?
The Dream Education programme is available to all Families with an Educator caring for any little ones under the age of five in Auckland.
If you already have an Educator and wish to join the fun, give us a call. We can look at options to sign your Family and Educator up.
Your Educators home will need to meet a few ministry requirements. Some examples include providing a fully-fenced outdoor play area, having a first-aid kit available, securing all heavy furniture, and ensuring all chemicals and medicines are locked away.
Benefits
The Dream Education Programme for your Tamariki
As part of the Dream Education Programme, your tamariki's individual learning and development will be recognised and nurtured. This support comes from both your Educator and your Visiting Teacher. Together your Educator and Visiting Teacher will encourage your child to learn through play to reach their full potential.
The Dream Education Programme for you as Parents
- Your Educator will give you daily feedback by using our online educational tool and in your child’s daily diary ensuring constant peace of mind
- A qualified early childhood teacher will support your Educator on a one-to-one basis, visiting your home. They ensure that your child’s individual development is paramount.
- Access to 20 ECE and WINZ subsidies
The Dream Education Programme for your Educator
- Personal support from a qualified Visiting Teacher
- Access to playgroups, outings, nature play and more
- Friendships with a wide network of other Educators
- Professional development opportunities
Meet our Visiting Teachers
Lynette
Mell
Andrea
Sue
Education Manager
Lynette
Lynette has been working in the early childhood sector for over 30 years, dedicating the last 15 years to the Home-Based sector. During earlier years, she excelled in managing early childhood centers and worked as a Nanny while raising her children. Holding a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, full teacher’s registration, and a current first aid certificate. Passionate about supporting children and caregivers, she dedicates herself to planning and organizing events. She finds joy in sharing her knowledge and witnessing the wonder of children exploring their environment. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling overseas and exploring more of the world with her husband.
Visiting Teacher
Mell
Hi, I’m Mell. I have been working in the Early Childhood Education sector since 2009, gaining experience with all age groups of children under six years old. As a fully qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher, I take pleasure in exploring music and movement, Te Ao Maori, the natural environment, and storytelling with children. I love working with children, their Au Pairs, Nannies, and Educators, and find particular enjoyment in my role as a Visiting Teacher. Originally from West Auckland, I cherish spending days at West Coast beaches or bushwalking through the Waitakere ranges with my son.
Visiting Teacher
Andrea
Andrea has been working in the Early Childhood sector for over 28 years. Initially starting as a Nanny before transitioning to roles in Childcare Centres as a Teacher and Centre Manager. She even contributed to setting up a brand-new Centre from scratch. Over the past 8 years, Andrea has excelled as a Visiting Teacher, enjoying the varied responsibilities and expressing a particular fondness for baby cuddles and engaging conversations with inquisitive 3-5 year-olds. Residing in Cockle Bay with her husband Dale and son Jack. Andrea cherishes time spent with her 4 energetic nephews. Beyond work, Andrea finds joy in family and friend gatherings, travels in their caravan, indulges in baking, and has a passion for watching cricket!
Visiting Teacher
Sue
Sue is passionate about Early Childhood Education and partnering with families in their child’s learning journey. Pursuing her lifelong dream by training as an ECE teacher. Over the last 37 years, she has played a central role in raising her family (husband, 3 children, 2 dogs, 5 cats, 2 lovebirds and a multitude of rabbits). With a wealth of experience, Sue has managed Early Childhood Centres and home-based providers. Additionally, she loves mentoring families as a Family worker and tutoring Nannies in the Diploma of Early Childhood Care and Education. Her primary goal in life is to create a positive impact on young children, young adults, Early Childhood Teachers, or families. Making a difference in the lives of others with a sprinkle of world wide travel thrown in.
We use Educa - an Online Portfolio
Dream Education Programme whānau can keep track of their children’s learning via Educa. A secure app that can be downloaded onto any iPhone or Android device.
The app holds a portfolio of your tamariki’s monthly learning stories and in-depth reports that are shared by your Educator and Visiting Teacher.
Everything added to Educa, like photos, videos, and stories, can be downloaded and printed. You can connect other whānau members to your Educa account, ensuring nobody misses out on important milestones or fun activities and learning opportunities your children experience!
Education Review Office (ERO)
The Dream Education Programme is licensed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. We pride ourselves in our commitment to providing a quality educational programme to your child. Feel free to have a look at our recent ERO reports here.
Te Whariki
Funded by the Ministry of Education, the programme weaves together the principles and strands of Te Whāriki. This creates a holistic, tamariki-centred local curriculum to suit your little ones. A monthly visit from one of our qualified and registered Visiting Teachers, and regular activities are just a couple of ways we make this happen.
The programme is designed to keep learning fun and engaging for children. It can be adapted to your whānau’s needs. Your home and local community are integral parts of your little one’s development.