Page 3 - Cobblestones Room

Visits & Key Teachers

Starting preschool can be an exciting time, but it can take time for your
child to get used to their new environment, the kaiako (teachers) and other
tamariki. Settling in can look different for each family and we do ask
families to do a minimum of three prearranged visits into the room. These
first visits we ask you to stay with your child and interact with them
within the environment along with talking to your child’s key/settling
kaiako. When you and your child are happy and settled we will ask you to
leave the room/centre for a period of time (the amount of time depends on
how you and your child are feeling). The next stage depending on your
booking times, we will arrange for your child to do some shorter sessions
working towards full days/weeks. This will allow your child to become
familiar with the rhythms and rituals here in The Cobblestones Room. Some
children settle in within a week or two where other children may take
longer. We will work closely with you to make this transition into our
preschool as positive as possible for both you and your child.

During these visits, we are working closely with you and your child to build
positive, trusting relationships. Please tell us as much information about
your child and your whānau as possible as this helps us to care for your
child.

We understand that you and/or your child may find it hard leaving each
other. Our wonderful teaching team will do everything we can to make
this time as easy as possible and talk you both through this process. We
are all happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may
have.

We do use key/settling teachers to support this process. We try our best
for you and your child to build a relationship during the visiting period. Our
teachers do work on a rostering system so may not be there to meet you
each day but we will endeavour for one of your child’s key/settling teachers
to be available as much as possible. If this cannot happen we will make
sure to introduce you to the other kaiako that will be available at the drop
off time too. The key/settling teacher’s role is to help your child to settle
and support them through their rhythms and rituals of the day and to be a
familiar and consistent source of support and contact. This process also
ensures you as a parent have someone who understands your aspirations
for your child and can support a strong connection with home.