Lincoln Childcare and Preschool is owned by Lincoln Hospitality, which is part of Lincoln University. It was opened in 1988 to provide education and care for the children of families of the staff and students of Lincoln University, local research organisations and the Lincoln community.
We are open:
Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 5.10pm
We are closed:
- Public holidays
- Three weeks over the Christmas/New Year period
Centre philosophy
Purpose
To offer a Centre that supports both children and families.
Scope
Children, families, visitors at Lincoln Childcare and Preschool
References
Te Whãriki (Early Childhood Documentation), Early Childhood Regulations
Procedures
At the Lincoln Childcare and Preschool, we are committed to ensuring that all children are treated equally and with respect. We provide children with a stable and secure environment. We believe it is critical for teachers to offer children positive interactions that will build secure relationships. Teachers are encouraged to put themselves at the child's level. Furthermore, we implement consistent and fair boundaries for children.
We are aware that all children are unique individuals and learn in different ways. Therefore, we provide children with meaningful learning opportunities at their level. We assess all children on an individual basis and encourage early identification of children's strengths, interests and abilities, which we also extend through learning stories. We plan for this extension through staff discussion.
Children have access to a wide range of learning experiences that include individual, small and large groups, based on Te Whãriki (the Early Childhood curriculum). The Centre offers a safe and challenging indoor and outdoor environment in accordance with the Early Childhood Regulations 2008. All children have access to quality learning resources that are replaced on a regular basis. All parents/caregivers/whanau are held in high esteem and encouraged to be involved in the Centre in a variety of ways. Teachers are committed to building effective partnerships with all families.
The Centre supports children learning about their community by regularly going on excursions.
Children are given appropriate support and encouragement so they can be actively involved in the Centre's learning programme. We support and uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and therefore Maori language and culture is incorporated into the Centre's daily happenings. In addition, the Centre environment acknowledges, values and respects all cultures. Children are encouraged to learn in all areas and not be limited by gender stereotyping.
All these strategies enable us to provide a positive social environment. We are owed and managed by Lincoln Hospitality Limited. We wish to maintain effective two-way communication between Centre Management and Staff. Our procedures are to be found in the Centre's Operation's Manual. We use a three year cycle for reviewing procedures and we implement an ongoing system of internal review.
We have 95% of our staff who are trained. The Centre is staffed with trained teachers where possible. Team work is a focus for all staff we believe that we need to continue our education to keep up to date with the latest developments, theories and practices in Early Childhood Education. Consequently all teachers are provided with opportunities for professional development based on staff appraisals.
We also provide courses (in house) for parents and teachers on topics of child development. We are licensed for 42 children and we are committed to providing quality childcare for Lincoln University staff and students, research groups and the local community.
Responsibilities
Supervisor and staff