Michelle Golder

• Mentor junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
• Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimising risk exposure for the organisation.
• Enhanced communication between team members by organising regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
• Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.

As Centre Manager, I provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of centre performance, including educational outcomes, team development, compliance, financial sustainability, and whānau engagement. My role involves:

• Educational Leadership: Championing equitable outcomes for tamariki through culturally responsive practices aligned with Te Whāriki and the Code and Standards of the Teaching Profession. Leading curriculum development, internal evaluation, and ensuring visible, inclusive learning environments.
• Team Leadership & Staff Development: Building a high-performing team through regular coaching, professional growth cycles, succession planning, and robust recruitment and induction processes. I foster a positive workplace culture and maintain staff retention aligned with national trends.
• Whānau & Community Engagement: Strengthening relationships with families through responsive communication, feedback analysis, and collaborative curriculum design. I ensure the centre is welcoming and inclusive for all.
• Operational Excellence: Managing centre KPIs, including occupancy, budgeting, and staffing. Ensuring compliance with health and safety, child protection, and licensing standards. I lead continuous improvement using a variety of tools and frameworks.

As a qualified and registered ECE Teacher, I delivered high-quality education and care for tamariki, grounded in Te Whāriki and the Teaching Council’s Code and Standards. I contribute to a culturally responsive, inclusive, and safe learning environment while supporting centre goals and priorities. My responsibilities included:

• Curriculum & Teaching Practice: Planning and evaluating learning experiences aligned with Te Whāriki, supporting children's progression through effective teaching strategies. I contributed to the localised curriculum and centre philosophy, ensuring learning environments reflect tamariki interests and needs.
• Whānau Engagement: Building strong learning partnerships with families/whānau to make learning visible and supported. I communicated respectfully and inclusively, fostering collaboration in children's learning journeys.
• Professional Growth & Leadership: Engaging in the Professional Growth Cycle to enhance my teaching capability. I role-modelled my employer's values, mentored others, and contributed to the centre’s strategic goals and continuous improvement.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Promoting and maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. I completed required training, reported hazards, and ensured compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Skills & Attributes: I brought strong communication skills, cultural responsiveness, and a passion for early learning. I was self-motivated, reflective, and committed to delivering equitable outcomes for all tamariki.

As Head Teacher, I led high-quality education and care for tamariki in a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment. I support my teaching team through effective leadership, curriculum implementation, and strong whānau engagement. My responsibilities included:

• Curriculum Leadership: Planning and delivering learning experiences aligned with Te Whāriki, ensuring observations and documentation reflect current learning theory. I integrate Te Reo and Tikanga Māori, upholding the Teaching Council’s Code and Standards.
• Team Support & Communication: I modeled Little Wonder's values, fostered open communication, and maintained strong relationships with my Centre Manager and fellow Head Teachers. I support team development and ensure a collaborative, respectful working environment.
• Whānau Engagement: Building positive relationships with parents and whānau through warm, respectful communication and inclusive practices. I encouraged family involvement in their child’s learning journey and maintained a welcoming centre environment.
• Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensuring high standards of hygiene, safety, and housekeeping. I promptly report and respond to hazards and incidents, maintaining compliance with ECE regulations and organisational policies.
• Professionalism & Development: I represented Little Wonders with professionalism, maintained high personal standards, and actively engaged in ongoing professional learning. I support provisionally certificated teachers through mentoring and uphold the expectations of the Teaching Council.