Tree Tops

Founders, Maree and Alison, had a vision to create a special place where children could grow in a caring, healthy and stimulating environment. That vision became a reality more than 15 years ago. Before establishing Treetops Early Learning Centres, Maree and Alison taught and held Senior management positions in primary schools in East Auckland. The second generation has now taken up the management and administration of the three Treetops centres with the same educational philosophy and commitment to high-quality care. Children are respected as individuals with their own talents, interests, and preferences.

 

Treetops Pukekohe is a 4 room, 100 license for children from birth to 6 years.

 

Treetops teachers are inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy and the Pikler philosophy and their practice is based on the principles of Te Whariki, which addresses wellbeing, belonging, contribution, communication, and exploration.

 

The Reggio Emilia approach focuses on each child as a competent learner. Children are curious, creative, and full of potential. Treetops approach is child-centred and their curriculum focuses on enquiry learning.

 

Learning respect and responsibility through discovery and play are essential elements in Reggio Emilia. Treetops believe children have rights and should be given opportunities to develop their potential.

 

The Reggio Emilia approach believes that children have a ‘hundred languages’ to use in communication and learning. These ‘languages’ could be drama, sculpture or painting and children express needs, interests, and abilities using a variety of creative fun ways.

 

The learning environment is the third ‘teacher’ where children get to explore their ideas, test their theories, question, observe, and clarify their understanding of the world.

 

. At Treetops children are encouraged to make sense of the world in their own way, at their time.

 

Treetops honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi as the foundational document of Aotearoa by actively promoting Tikanga Maori and Te Reo Maori in their planned experiences.

 

Treetops is a multicultural centre that actively celebrates different cultures of families and teachers. Treetops respect their children’s voice and their rights, and they encourage them to be active participants in their learning.

 

Trust is paramount in their relationships with children, their parents, and their families. Developing trust is important in a child’s development. The best learning outcomes occur when a children feel safe and secure, when they trust and love. Because children know they are safe and loved at Treetops, they learn to trust and to become trustworthy themselves.