Moana Ashcroft

• Curriculum development

As a team we collaborate together to ensure all tamariki are exposed to all curriculum areas relative to their age group This is child-centered, as we follow along with tamariki's interests I set up activities so tamariki are exposed to a variety of exploration activities to see what discoveries they can uncover, and I am currently responsible for the four-year-olds, so I am supporting tamariki to take responsibility for their own well-being and belongings I have been working with tamariki to regulate their own emotions by giving them the tools to resolve conflict, take turns, follow instructions, and, if they are upset, calm their body, and communicate their needs We also have a weekly trip to the kura nextdoor to engage in some phonics learning to support tamariki begin to get ready for kura I also plan a variety of experiments, which tamariki love to explore, and have often had tamariki begin creating some of these on their own For example a young kotiro loved exploring toys frozen in ice so got the bowl herself and filled it with items she loved, brought it to me so I could fill and freeze it

As this is an open age group of tamariki, I am flexible and can work alongside all age groups

• Child development

I have the environment set up for free play, so tamariki can explore freely I read articles from Theorists about different ways of being for tamariki I love the way Magda Gerba allows infants to explore their space in their own time and without placing tamariki in positions they themselves cannot get into I am always talking with the infants to build their communication skills, taking the time to understand cues and gestures and informing tamariki of what I am doing for example "I need to change your nappy now is it okay if I pick you up now?" I always ensure nurturing care routines, where we can chat and take time with the tamaiti Routines are the same on a daily basis so tamariki get to know what is happening next As a team, we are all flexible with routines; for example, if a tamaiti needs kai or a moe earlier, then this is accommodated

• Cultural responsiveness

During our daily program, I ensure I use inclusive language and images that reflect the diversity of the children and families we work alongside

I have gotten to know whānau and have engaged in conversations about how I can support their tamaiti culture in a respectful manner I have found out what their dreams are for their tamariki, and I have learned about tamariki funds of knowledge I have also encouraged whānau participation within the program

• Team collaboration

I feel I work well within a team I am open to new ideas, and am confident when communicating my ideas I am flexible and able to support team members throughout our daily program

• Safety protocols

I have been the person responsible on many occasions, which requires dealing with any issues that may arise and recording information to resolve those issues Several mornings a week, I do a safety check of the grounds, which includes removing cat feces, ensuring that the play equipment is set up and that nothing on it is damaged, checking that there are no poisonous plants in the play area, and making sure that water has not pooled in any areas Also ensuring our saftey mats are at the bottom of the steps and around our climbing box I have been responsible for fire and earthquake drills, ensuring the building is empty, tamariki all move in an orderly manner to our meeting place, and taking the roll to ensure everybody is accounted for, listening to the principal from kura before going back to daycare and taking the roll again to ensure everyone is back inside safely