Welcome to Our Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Silverdale
We specialise in early learning and childcare in Silverdale and the broader Hibiscus Coast area. We are dedicated to providing expert care and education for children from birth to age 3 and beyond, in a nature-based, nurturing environment designed to support their growth at every stage.
Our approach is inspired by the principles of Dr Emmi Pikler, Reggio Emilia, Te Whāriki, and The Virtues Project, ensuring that children receive the highest quality of care and education.
By combining the latest knowledge in brain development with personalised attention, we create a loving atmosphere that encourages emotional, social, and cognitive development. This approach empowers children to explore, learn, and grow confidently.
Partner with us to ensure your child receives the best start in life, fostering the skills they need for a bright future.
Meet Our Founder & Director
Melanie Howard, our founder and director, began her teaching journey in 1995 as a parent. Since then, she has supported children of all ages, including those with additional learning needs, and has led teams and managed centres. Melanie is also trained in The Virtues Project, which aligns with her commitment to fostering a nurturing and values-driven environment. Now, as a co-owner of the centre, she is proud to see her dream come to life.
Melanie Howard
Our Values in Early Learning and Childcare
Child-Centred Learning
We embrace the philosophies of Reggio Emilia and Dr Emmi Pikler, ensuring that every child’s unique interests and development guide their learning journey. We create an environment where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and express themselves, fostering curiosity and a love for learning.
Holistic Development through Active Play
Inspired by the Te Whāriki framework, we provide opportunities for children to engage in active, hands-on experiences. Whether splashing in the rain, digging in the mud, or navigating obstacle courses, these activities help build confidence, social skills, and resilience—laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Nurturing Values and Environmental Awareness
Through The Virtues Projects, we instil values such as kindness, respect, and responsibility in our children. We also integrate sustainable practices into everyday play by minimising plastic use and encouraging natural materials. By exploring nature and engaging with real-world objects, children develop creativity and a sense of environmental stewardship.
Testimonial
Why Choose a Nature-Based Learning Centre?
We believe in the transformative power of nature for a child’s development. Here’s why our nature-based approach sets us apart:
Enhanced Learning Through Nature
Nature provides endless opportunities for hands-on, real-world learning. Children engage with their environment, exploring the outdoors and developing a deeper connection to the world around them—fostering curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Holistic Development
Nature-based learning promotes physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. By engaging in outdoor play, children improve motor skills, foster creativity, and build social connections while developing resilience—key aspects of the Te Whāriki curriculum.
Connection with the Environment
In today’s digital age, fostering an early connection to nature is more important than ever. Our curriculum integrates environmental awareness, sustainability, and respect for the planet into every activity, allowing children to grow up as kaitiaki (guardians) of Aotearoa’s beautiful environment.
Health and Well-Being
Being outdoors boosts mental health, reduces stress, and increases overall well-being. Nature-based play encourages physical activity, which promotes good health and helps children build strong, healthy bodies.
A Different Kind of Learning
Unlike traditional settings, where children are often confined to classrooms, our centre places a strong emphasis on outdoor exploration. We blend structured learning with the freedom to roam, creating a rich, dynamic environment that fosters curiosity, growth, and a sense of connection to nature.
Addressing Concerns
We understand that parents may worry about their child getting dirty while playing with mud or water, or the risk of getting sick. Here’s why we believe these experiences are not only safe but beneficial:
Learning Through Play
Getting dirty is part of the learning process! It helps children develop sensory awareness, creativity, and a sense of adventure. Our educators guide children in washing their hands and ensuring they stay clean and comfortable.
Health and Safety
We take health and hygiene seriously. While outdoor play in nature might involve playing in puddles or exploring dirt, we ensure that our environment is safe and supervised. Water play is done with care, and children are encouraged to dry off and change into clean clothes when necessary.
Building Immunity and Resilience
Exposure to different environments, like playing with mud or water, helps build a child’s immune system naturally. These experiences foster resilience and teach children how to navigate different situations safely.
Preparing for Play
To ensure your child is ready for a full day of outdoor adventure, we advise parents to dress their children in clothes suitable for play. We also recommend bringing several changes of clothes, a sun hat, and gumboots, so they can stay comfortable and prepared for whatever the day brings.
Ready to learn more about our early learning and childcare centre?
- 165 Wainui Road, Silverdale 0932
- (09) 421 0445
- manager@yourplacechildcare.co.nz
- www.yourplacechildcare.co.nz
- Your Place Childcare
- Your Place Childcare
