8 July 2004 University's Early Childhood Centre Celebrates a Decade of Service

July marks the 10th birthday of Lincoln University's Early Childhood Centre in The Crescent and there will be celebrations for past and present families and staff on 10 July.

The Centre opened with foundation staff members Viv Morgan, Supervisor, Antoinette O'Neil, Lynda Parker and Nicki Taylor.

Today the staff members are Centre Co-ordinator Ruth McKenzie, Assistant Co-ordinator Nikki Grazier, Justine Beckley, Elaine Chudleigh, Ginny Howes, Tania Lancaster-Fraser, Justine Mason, Jess Reeves and Deana Stephen-Feod. The Manager of the Lincoln University's Student Support Services, Deidre Graham, is the licensee on behalf of the University.

As a licensed early childhood facility the centre operates under Ministry of Education guidelines and as such is subject to Education Review Office (ERO) reviews of its performance. In February this year the centre had its latest review and staff are delighted with the results.

Comments in the ERO report include –

• The staff have a commitment to a high standard. Programme planning, evaluation and children's assessment is effectively linked to meet the learning and development needs of the children.

• The teaching team has undertaken professional development to increase their knowledge in the integration of Te Reo and tikanga as an integral component of the curriculum.

• Re-developments have created spacious areas for children to participate at activity areas.

• Children are encouraged to make decisions about their learning, guided and supported by the teachers. The teachers' involvement with the children is responsive and supportive to extend this learning.

• Emphasis is given to providing opportunities for children to develop numeracy and literacy understandings and increasing knowledge.

• Teachers provide a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for all children and their families/whanau. Staff respect and value the diversity of their families with bicultural and multicultural and community backgrounds and endeavour to provide appropriate support.