Owner / Director
We purchased our first Centre in 2003, Mariposa Kids in 2010 and Shore Kids in 2014.
I have two children of my own, now grown up – Alexandra (32) and Robert (29).
I love spending time with my family and when time allows I enjoy reading, music and going to the movies.
Centre Manager
I see my role as a teacher as someone who supports each child as they learn about their surrounding world and discover new interests and ideas while being valued and respected. I feel it is vital to build a strong relationship with the child and their family, so they feel safe and comfortable and enjoy every day at their school. Being a teacher is very rewarding and knowing I have played a part in a child’s development and learning makes my job all that more fulfilling.
Family means a lot to me as I come from such a big family. I have a beautiful daughter named Holly (now at Primary School) and a baby son named Jordan who also attends Shore Kids.
We keep our room largely undecorated, knowing that infants can easily become over-stimulated by ‘visual pollution’, and you will notice it is more homely than class-roomy. To keep up with best practice we engage in ongoing development to best understand the nature and development of this age group. We have a specialist approach to infant care that is unique to our room and based upon the simple principle of respect. Your baby will be actively listened to, responded to, and loved.
We understand that infants are driven by an innate need to self-educate, and simply require us to support their natural curiosity and exploration by ensuring that their environment offers them possibilities and opportunities. We respond quickly to their cues, assure their wellbeing and belonging, and they naturally gain confidence to learn.
Parents and family are the experts on their children, and we encourage and facilitate open communication to enable us to know your babies and their individual needs and preferences so that their care is specifically tailored to them.
Pipi Room Teacher
Pipi Room Teacher
My name is Gigi and I am originally from China. I have immigrated to
I graduated from NZTC in 2021 with a graduate diploma in early childhood education. I am deeply inspired and guided by Te Whaariki to provide a safe, healthy and welcoming environment and meaningful care for our children.
Through watching, listening, copying and lots of trial and error Paua children are mastering so many new skills. Our Paua room is set up specifically with this learning in mind, with ample space and resources providing plenty of time for uninterrupted play and learning. Resources provide opportunity for children to mimic and explore ideas through imaginative play becoming mothers of their own “babies”, firefighters on their bikes, or tigers in the jungle enabling them to make sense of the world and their place within it, learning how to work with and alongside others as they play.
Paua teachers are a vital resource themselves at this highly influential age, and pride themselves in role modelling positive social interactions, encouraging language development and literacy through stories, rhyme and song as well as allowing children to copy and try out “jobs” such as gardening, animal care or baking to name a few.
Repetition is key for children of this age so resources and activities are constantly available, many of which utilize the same skills but in different contexts allowing for practice, practice, practice until our now very independent Pauas are ready to start their next journey to primary school.
Once your child turns four, we provide a special transition programme in collaboration with the new-entrant teachers of our local schools. Special attention is given to not just word recognition, numeracy and vocabulary but also concentration, working in a group and routines. We encourage aspects of learning and behaviour that will prepare them well for their move to ‘big school’.
Paua Room Teacher
I am from the Philippines, I immigrated to New Zealand with my son in 2009. I was a University Teacher back in the Philippines with a degree…
… in Computer Studies. I wanted to continue teaching when I enrolled at AUT University for Post graduate studies but got interested and shifted to Early Childhood Education. I earned my Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) in 2013, and I am currently working on my full teacher’s registration. I love having conversations and playing with little children. I spend my free time watching movies and reading books.
Paua Room Teacher
I started working in Early Childhood Education in 2002, after having my first child and becoming really interested in how children develop & grow.
Paua Room Teacher
Our regular maintenance jobs around the Centre are professionally taken care of by Joey and Clive.
9 Barbados Drive
Unsworth Heights
Auckland 0632
info@shorekids.co.nz