Kia ora koutou, This year the ECC Conference, Success through wellbeing, is being held at Te Pae Convention Centre, Ōtautahi / Christchurch from 9 - 10 August. With the diversity of keynote presenters, along with the breadth of workshops, participants will have opportunities to connect, be inspired and hopefully have their wairua nourished (nothing like a few days of inspiration and ideas to reinvigorate). To find out more read from page 20. Simon’s editorial, the CEO’s Message on page 8 is a reminder of the never-ending challenges for those leading and operating ECE centres. These challenges include the ongoing struggle of finding relievers (at a reasonable and affordable rate) when there is a teaching shortage; the multitude of compliance requirements; the stress of Ministry of Education licensing visits; along with Pay Parity discrepancies and so much more! Embracing the Modern Montessori Approach: Our Montessori Preschools is a centre profile on a growing group of Montessori preschools in the Canterbury region. The owners share some of the challenges they face and the importance of having a point of difference. Go to page 26 to read more. The article, Navigating child safety: The pitfalls of elevated door handles, on page 30, brings to light the issues around the elevation of door handles in ECE centres from 1,200mm to 1,500mm. While this alteration may seem practical to stop children from escaping, it brings forth a cascade of challenges such as accessibility, building consent, etc. With an adult child in a wheelchair I am constantly on the alert around accessibility for all and how tricky this can be. This article gives you a few ideas on how to get it right. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the above articles make sure you read the aweinspiring article, The Forest ECE: Play based learning in action on page 14. The Forest ECE is nestled amongst the Te Miro ngahere, on the banks of the Waitakaruru stream. The centre offers a bush programme for tamariki aged 3-6 years, where all involved are having their wairua nourished as they connect with Papatūānuku. The problem with hobbits and orcs, on page 34, is a strange title for an ECE article, but don’t let the title put you off, especially if you are not a Lord of Rings fan! This article discusses the need for leaders to support and elevate their staff’s critical and creative thinking skills which has the possibility of leading to richer and more satisfying outcomes to everyday situations. On page 36 are some strategies for encouraging maths during both intentional and spontaneous play. You cannot just leave learning maths to chance! Thank you to all our autumn contributors. Ngā mihi nui Trudi Sutcliffe Editor FROM THE Editor Ka oho te wairua, ka matāra te tinana, he aroha ki te aroha, ka kā te rama. When your spirit awakens, when your body is alive, when love is unconditional, enlightenment flows. Nā Te Rauparaha Protecting over 1500 childcare centres childproof.co.nz 0800 765 429 AJGNZ1341B March 2024 { 7 }
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