Charlotte
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About Me
Hello, my name is Charlotte, and I am a mum to four children — Abigail, Lucy, Leo and Phoebe. My two older children have now left home, while my younger two are still at home with. We also have two friendly cats who are part of our family.
I previously provided in-home childcare when my second and third children were younger, and I found it such a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with children and being part of their learning journey, while also being present for my own family.
I provide a loving “home away from home” environment where children feel safe, valued, and included. I believe children learn best through play and by following their interests, allowing them to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
Our Time Together
I believe play should be self-initiated and child-led, allowing children to follow their own interests and passions. Through this, they develop confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Alongside free play, I also provide a variety of experiences such as art and craft activities, messy play, water and sand play, and other hands-on learning opportunities. I love watching children grow as they explore how things work, figure things out for themselves, and learn through both free and gently structured play.
We have Spreydon Library and Barrington Park nearby, which we regularly visit to explore, learn, and burn off energy when we are not attending planned outings. I offer a wide range of resources both indoors and outdoors to support children’s learning and development.
We attend playgroups on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mainly Music on Thursdays, and also take part in the outings and playgroups provided by STEMS. These experiences help children build friendships, confidence, and social skills while exploring the wider community.
Stems FROM HOME Programme
Stems FROM HOME run a varied weekly programme that all of our Educators, tamariki and whānau are welcome to attend. This includes;
Playgroup in Izone at our Stems base, Little Explorers (outdoor experiences and outings) and Music and Movement group in winter terms. Our Playgroup sessions include regular arts and crafts, imaginary play, chances to explore individual interests, as well as other fun visitors depending on current interests. All information is shared in our term flyers and planned from the children’s burgeoning interests.
House Keeping
* First Aid/Civil Defence Kit * Cot/bed * Highchair * Car seats
* Personal linen and hand towels
* A quiet home environment, in which children are able to have really good naps (if needed). If your child has a dummy or security object for sleep time, please send these inside their bag.
* Programme planning and monthly learning stories about your child’s individual learning and development, by using Educa (online portfolios).
* A change of clothes as we like to fully experience everything we do!
* A hat and sunblock in summertime. Please apply sun block to your child in the morning and I will reapply during the day.
* Gumboots and a raincoat for the rainy months
* Sufficient nappies, wipes/cream, bibs, and feeding bottles
* A healthy packed lunchbox and a water bottle
Please remember to bring along your child’s Stems Journal. These are a useful communication tool for sharing daily entries about your child’s day, care routines, happenings and up-coming events).
