Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Work Preference
Software
Languages
Donna Graham

Donna Graham

EC Teacher
Wellington,Northland
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive
Inspiringcommunities.org.nz

Summary

I am a passionate and caring EC Teacher. I offer respectful, peaceful and trusting relationships with Kaiako, tamariki and whānau, these are at the forefront of everything I do. Diversity is important and adapting accordingly to many situations that may present themselves is important. Having the opportunity to holistically support children's learning and development is a privilege, to watch them grow into confident and competent life long learners is exciting. Working alongside peers, as a leader, is something I value. I like to be challenged and to help others grow in their own professional journey. Open communication, honesty and trust are attributes I value highly.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Teacher

Taranaki Free Kindergarten Association
New Plymouth, Taranaki
01.2017 - 06.2024
  • • Role model highly effective communication skills with colleagues, tamariki and whānau; respecting their beliefs and values.
  • • Identify, establish and facilitate relationships within and between the kindergarten, whānau and the wider community including iwi and hapū.
  • •Promote community engagement and involvement with the kindergarten, including fundraising & family events.
  • •Promote inclusive learning environments by providing equitable opportunities for all
  • • Network/collaborate with colleagues, other kindergarten teams and local schools to enhance opportunities for ongoing development & support
  • • Consult with team members including support staff as necessary, to encourage their participation and engagement in the continuous improvement of the kindergarten.
  • • Engage in collaborative work relationships with colleagues in Kindergarten House when needed, to support efficient operation of the kindergarten.
  • • Identify and manage conflict when it arises, working actively to achieve an effective resolution.
  • • Ensure staff comply with all KT policies and procedures and relevant legislation; including monitoring and reporting requirements
  • .• Manage the kindergarten budget utilising available financial resources and assets effectively and efficiently; within delegated authority limits, to ensure the kindergarten facility and resources are maintained at a high standard
  • .• Delegate tasks and activities as appropriate to kindergarten team members, encouraging individual responsibility and professional growth and development.
  • • Consider the views of others whilst taking responsibility for making timely decisions.
  • • Manage the staffing of the kindergarten to ensure legislated ratios are maintained, liaising as required with Kindergarten House.
  • • Utilise established and documented mechanisms to manage the waiting list and work to achieve the 100% full rolls commitment.
  • • With the support of Kindergarten House, implement strategies that profile the kindergarten to facilitate maximum enrolment.
  • • Establish, implement and review kindergarten strategic and annual plans so they reflect the objectives of Kindergarten Taranaki and our strategic direction.
  • • Utilise Ngā Aronga Whai Hui and the evaluative summary tool to identify areas for internal evaluation and quality improvement.
  • • Induct new employees into the kindergarten, ensuring they know routines, what is expected of them in their role and that they have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with policies and procedures.
  • • Conduct an annual Professional Growth Cycle with each Teaching member of the team providing coaching and guidance as necessary.
  • • Be responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective team structure that ensures all requirements are met.
  • • Ensure that everyone within the team understands their roles and responsibilities and are able to enact these
  • • Establish and utilise team processes for communication, open to learning conversations, conflict resolution, identifying innovative opportunities and joint problem solving; and role model their effective use.
  • • Lead regular documented staff and planning meetings. PerformanceManagementAcknowledge high standards of performance and support a growth culture within the kindergarten
  • • Provide timely and constructive feedback and feed forward to team members
  • • When practice and/or behaviours are less than the expected standard, take steps in accordance with Kindergarten Taranaki process, policies and procedures.
  • • Set clear expectations about the standard required and check to ensure employees know what is expected of them.
  • • Provide coaching and guidance, utilising the skills and expertise of Kindergarten House as necessary, to support professional growth. Leadership AccountabilitiesProfessional LeadershipDemonstrate an extensive knowledge and understanding of current approaches to effective teaching and learning.
  • • Provide professional leadership and direction to the kindergarten team by encouraging vision and innovation.
  • • Inspire, motivate and support qualified teachers and support staff to continually improve the quality of teaching and learning.
  • • Advocate for and support the facilitation, development and implementation of practices throughout the Kindergarten Association that reflect and incorporate Te Reo and Tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
  • • Display ethical and responsible behaviour in all activities and interactions in accordance with Our Code Our Standards and the Kindergarten Taranaki Conduct policy.
  • • Ensure the curriculum is documented and that the kindergarten’s programme is planned, implemented and evaluated to meet the needs of all tamariki/whānau aspirations, taking into account Ministry of Education and Education Review Office requirements
  • .• Demonstrate a high level of knowledge of Te Whāriki and of current learning, teaching and assessment theories.
  • • Demonstrate knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo and Tikanga Māori and ensure these are embedded in the kindergarten curriculum.
  • • Acknowledge whānau/caregiver aspirations for their child and actively engage in achieving these.
  • • Ensure tamariki have documented learning stories that reflect their learning and growth over time.
  • • Role model and uphold the delivery of a high quality educational programme in accordance with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Our Code Our standards as a Teacher.
  • • Be responsible for maintaining current Teacher registration practising certificate General Accountabilities Health and Safety
  • • Ensure high quality health and safety practice is adhered to for adults and tamariki and proactively identify and manage health and safety risks.
  • • Maintain an up to date hazard register and ensure safety and compliance checks are completed within a documented schedule.
  • • Follow Kindergarten Taranaki processes and notify the Kindergarten Facilties and Services Team Leader immediately of all serious staff and tamariki incidents/accidents at the kindergarten.
  • • Act as a role model in health and safety best practice, including accurate reporting, recording and reviewing of reports.
  • • Act in accordance with all Kindergarten Taranaki health and safety policies and processes; and take accountability for own health and safety at work. Responsible for aspects of own professional development. Demonstrate a commitment to own ongoing professional learning and teaching including tikanga and te reo maori.
  • • Attend educational opportunities relevant to professional growth
  • • Complete Professional Growth Cycle within expected timeframe Contribute to the overall service and reputation of Kindergarten Taranaki
  • • Ensure resources are used effectively and that kindergarten priorities are met.
  • • Ensure opportunities for continuous improvement are identified and addressed.
  • • Participate in continuous improvement activities across Kindergarten Taranaki
  • .• Maintain a professional relationship with all stakeholders
  • .• Reflect a positive image of Kindergarten Taranaki within the wider community.
  • • Ensure the mana and confidentiality for those we are responsible for and to, is upheld at all times
  • :• Uphold the core values of Kindergarten Taranaki;
  • • Adhere to and implement the policies and procedures, and work to support the strategic direction of Kindergarten Taranaki;
  • • Deliver a programme and implement teaching approaches consistent with Te Whāriki, the EarlyChildhood Curriculum;
  • • Adhere to the Code of Professional Responsibility (for Registered and Certificated Teachers)
  • • Meet and adhere to the Standards for the Teaching Profession (Teaching Council of Aotearoa NZ)
  • • Adhere to the Education (Early Childhood Education) Regulations 2008 and the Licencing Criteria for Kindergarten-based Early Childhood Education Services, as relevant. Skills, Experience and Competencies required to be successful in this role:
  • • hold current Teaching Practising Certificate/Teacher Certification
  • • Understanding and in-depth knowledge of the 2008 ECE Regulations and Licensing Criteria
  • • Proven initiative ability
  • • Proven previous experience of managing financial budgets
  • • Competent with Microsoft Office products
  • • Experience in promoting their ECE service and working with the wider community
  • :• work as part of a small team
  • • Self-motivated and highly organised
  • • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • • Punctual and adhere to rostered hours of work
  • • Tolerant of other perspectives and able to deal with a wide variety of people
  • • Display qualities of patience, tact, discretion, reliability, and integrity
  • • Strive for excellence and self-motivated
  • • High energy level
  • • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • • High work standard
  • • Flexible and adaptable to change
  • • Learner orientation
  • • Critical thinker
  • • Strength and solution focused
  • • Ethical
  • • Excellent time management skills
  • • Give and receive instructions well
  • • Be physically fit for the role
  • • Confident using information and computer technology.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.

Family and Program Manager

Au Pair Link NZ Ltd
04.2013 - 01.2017
  • I was the Family and Program manager, for the Taranaki region; my responsibilities were growing the region and ensuring that health and safety requirements are met as per the Ministry of Education regulations, as well as implementing a robust and responsive curriculum. I increased the roll from 25 - 40+
  • I managed whānau, tamariki and mostly foreign educators to ensure they were complying with the requirements set out by the Ministry of Education
  • Mentoring and Coaching Au Pairs and Whānau
  • Implement professional learning opportunities to further the skills and knowledge of those that were enrolled in our program
  • Conflict resolution and mediation
  • Introduction and Assessment meetings with potential clients resulting in a great success rate of converting these in to placements
  • Providing opportunities for whānau, educators and tamariki to get involved in the community and to participate in community events
  • Facilitate playgroups with a strong program that supports and encourages children to learn and develop, where they also have the opportunity to lead the program themselves
  • Actively participate in self review, annual and strategic plans and support the company in its vision
  • Collaborate with staff all over the country to achieve the best possible outcomes for whānau, tamariki and educators
  • Work alongside government bodies such as the Ministry of Education
  • Education Review office and participate in any PD offered by them
  • Relationships are pivotal to making a business grow, these were at the heart of everything i did
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
  • I developed strong reciprocal relationships in the region to constantly build the roll while ensuring documentation was completed in a timely manner and to a high level of professionalism
  • It is my passion to see that employees enjoy their roles and strive to their best
  • I provided support to ensure this happened while working with and alongside others to achieve great results

Centre Manager

Rainbow Early Childhood Centre
04.2011 - 04.2013
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships with kaiako, whānau, tamariki, the wider community and outside agencies
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.

2IC Manager

New Plymouth YMCA Childcare Centre
08.2010 - 04.2011
  • My main responsibility in this role was to ensure smooth daily running of a childcare centre that consisted of 4 staff and 28 children
  • Coaching and managing the performance of my team members: ensuring breaks and meal times were adhered to, and providing positive guidance to learning and development of children, also developing relationships with parents and whānau
  • Delivering training and developing training materials: have provided a new curriculum technique to better staffs' knowledge in documentation of children's interests etc and also provided materials for teachers to enhance children's learning!
  • Provide support for the Centre Manager: with budgeting, staff and general day to day issues
  • I also had the opportunity of designing and implementing a new curriculum for the childcare centre, creating an easier more productive way to document and enhance children's learning and development. This included a complete new design, implementation of planning and assessment
  • I was responsible for training staff members to deliver the new program and organising profile books accordingly

Teacher

YKIDS Nelson Childcare Centre
07.2008 - 08.2010

I was the person responsible for a team of 4 with 16 1-2 year old children

  • I was involved with decision making and review of processes in the room such as curriculum and the day to day running of the children's routines
  • I helped the team to resolve conflict issues and create a harmonious and fun environment to work in
  • My skills here include:
  • Time management
  • Programme planning and assessment
  • Developing strong relationships with staff, children, parents and family/whānau
  • Excellent rapport and empathy towards various situations with staff and parents
  • Team work within a small team
  • Problem resolution and solving
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Liaison Support Teacher

ABC Developmental Learning Centre
02.2007 - 07.2008
  • I was a third year student and placed in charge of the under two unit, which consisted of 2 staff and up to 8 babies
  • I was responsible to ensure that all infants' routines were adhered to and staff were aware of each individuals needs
  • I made sure that I was available for the team to talk with and advise wherever and whenever necessary.
  • Consultation with staff and parents
  • Maintained routines
  • Support for staff, informed and provided feedback
  • Reported back to centre manager
  • Ensured children's learning and development were fostered and enhanced

Student Teacher

Kidszone Educare Limited
02.2005 - 02.2007
  • I initially started out as a part time employee and began my training in July 2005
  • I worked with the over 2 year old children for the first few months of my employment and then moved into the under 2 unit.
  • Input into planning for children
  • Setting up activities ensuring health and safety of all children present consultation with parents
  • Working as a part of a team in a high pressure environment

Centre Manager

All About Children Titahi Bay
Porirua, Wellington
06.2024 - Current
  • Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to ensure a skilled workforce capable of meeting center objectives.
  • Checked facility, employee work and service levels to maintain compliance with company and industry standards.
  • Promoted a culture of teamwork through effective leadership, open communication channels, and regular team-building activities.
  • Collaborated closely with other department managers to align goals, share knowledge, and boost overall center performance.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff members and any onsite visitors.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration across departments.

Education

Registration - Education

Ministry of Education , Wellington, NZ
08.2025

Certificate Level IV - NZ Certificate in Business Management (first Line Management)

Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Hamilton, NZ
06.2023 - 10.2023

This course gave me an insight on how to lead a team in business management. I had scenarios to work through to understand the concepts of business management, how to support the company and what to do in financial situations and how to get the best outcomes for the company

Certificate III - Education

Te Ahu O Te Reo Māori Ki Te Taiuru, Taranaki/Whanganui
03.2022
  • Te Ahu uses rakau sticks for learning, is full emersion classes and requires no pen or paper for learning
  • we have small group interactions where we take turns at learning sentences
  • it is repetitive so you learn
  • Noho and wanaga were attended
  • I started in the pilot program in 2019, the program was then funded by the MOE for another year, we managed to keep it funded. I completed level 3 in 2022

Certificate - Leadership Development Program

Staples/Rodway, New Plymouth, NZ
10.2018

Certificate I - Education of Individuals With Autism

Ministry of Education - The Incredible Years, New Plymouth, NZ
05.2016
  • Promoting language development
  • promoting social interactions
  • promoting emotion literacy and self regulation

Diploma in Teaching (ECE) - Early Childhood Education

Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Hamilton, NZ
07.2009

Skills

Early Childhood Education

  • Child Development
  • Play-Based Learning
  • Child CPR and First Aid
  • Relationship Building
  • Promoting Social and Emotional Development
  • Effective, Clear and Direct Communication
  • Team building
  • Curriculum Planning
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Whānau Communication

Interests

I love adventure racing, mountain biking, going to the gym, netball and spending time with friend and family

Timeline

Centre Manager - All About Children Titahi Bay
06.2024 - Current
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand - Certificate Level IV, NZ Certificate in Business Management (first Line Management)
06.2023 - 10.2023
Head Teacher - Taranaki Free Kindergarten Association
01.2017 - 06.2024
Family and Program Manager - Au Pair Link NZ Ltd
04.2013 - 01.2017
Centre Manager - Rainbow Early Childhood Centre
04.2011 - 04.2013
2IC Manager - New Plymouth YMCA Childcare Centre
08.2010 - 04.2011
Teacher - YKIDS Nelson Childcare Centre
07.2008 - 08.2010
Liaison Support Teacher - ABC Developmental Learning Centre
02.2007 - 07.2008
Student Teacher - Kidszone Educare Limited
02.2005 - 02.2007
Ministry of Education - Registration, Education
Te Ahu O Te Reo Māori Ki Te Taiuru - Certificate III, Education
Staples/Rodway - Certificate, Leadership Development Program
Ministry of Education - The Incredible Years - Certificate I, Education of Individuals With Autism
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand - Diploma in Teaching (ECE), Early Childhood Education

Accomplishments

  • Supervised and worked alongside a team of 18 staff members.
  • Achieved ERO and MOE compliance with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Attended Te Ahu o te Reo Māori ki te taiuru - 3 years
  • Certificate in Business - Level 4

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemote

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leave4-day work week401k match

Software

Microsoft Office

Languages

Maori
Intermediate (B1)
Donna GrahamEC Teacher