Montana Early Learning Centre 2.32

The University of Canterbury Students' Association (Inc) provides Early Childhood Education for children of students enrolled at the University of Canterbury to allow for attendance at lectures, tutorials and employment, and where places are available, for children of staff and the community.

Our teachers create a warm, friendly, multicultural atmosphere where children feel secure and comfortable. The centre's programme are based on Te Whaariki, the Early Childhood Curriculum. Each child receives individual attention to enhance positive development.

Licensed for up to 35 children from birth to five years the teacher / child ratios are above the minimum standards. The centre is divided into 3 areas of Learning:

Infants:
The nursery area cares for children from six weeks to around 18 months. Inspired by RIE/Pikler methods, respect and belief in the child's competence underpin our teaching programme. We ensure an environment that is physically safe, cognitively challenging and emotionally nurturing. Where infants have freedom to explore and learn to interact with others. The ratio for this area is above requirements and is one teacher to four infants with a maximum of four infants at any time.

Toddlers:
In the toddler area, (up to 20 toddlers aged 18 months to just over four), children enjoy a secure environment including an ever changing outdoor activity area. We provide a programme with both daily routines and challenging activities that encourage a toddler's developing cognitive skills, language and social skills.

The morning programme includes group morning tea, a circle time involving waiata (songs) and stories, and group lunches at 12.00pm.The afternoon programme may include sleep according to the child's natural rhythm, and a range of self-choice activities followed by an afternoon circle time and afternoon tea at 2.00pm. Again the ratio is above requirements.

Preschool:
In the preschool room, up to eleven children aged four to five enjoy resources that are chosen specifically for their specialised age. Children are invited to our preschool room between the times of 10.30am - 3.00pm each day. Our preschool room is designed to help prepare our four year olds for school. We value an environment that is primarily focused on child lead learning where the environments are set up in a way that is inviting and cultivates children's curiosity, wonder and imagination. We also have two sessions a day where children come together as a group to engage in teacher lead activities based on emerging curriculum knowledge. We also focus highly on developing social competence and independence to ensure our children can get the most out of their learning experiences at school.

Children's' interests are extended through field trips as well as the University campus and community.

Parent Support:
Teachers value daily informal communications with parents and are happy to meet with you on a more formal basis by arrangement. Any comments, suggestions or ideas for improving the Centres' practices are welcomed, please discuss these with our Head Teacher or Licensee.

Bookings:
Montana ELC's sessions are based on the needs of student parents. Core sessions are 9am to 12 noon, and 12 noon to 3pm. In addition, parents can book per semester starting from 8am through to 5pm. Flexibility can be made on a case by case basis around exam days.

The centre is open for summer school semester, mid November to mid February, with a three week close-down over Christmas.

The centre can help with WINZ subsidy applications

Rates:
The centre has a discounted rate for University of Canterbury student parents, with capped fees for full-time care. For further details on the centre, frees and to arrange a visit, please contact the Administrator or Head Teacher on 3643968.

Our 2016 Rates are
Under 3s
$6.18 per hour for Students and $6.90 for Non-students.

Over 3s (20 hours free ECE) for hours over 20
$6.59 per hour for Students and $7.20 for Non-Students.