At New Shoots Rosedale, creating a place where tamariki and whānau feel a true sense of belonging begins with strong, thoughtful leadership.
Centre Director Emma brings a depth of experience, a passion for intentional teaching, and a genuine understanding of what it means to support both children and their families through the early years.
Below, Emma shares her journey into early childhood education, what inspires her practice, and how her approach is shaping the foundations of Rosedale as a place where relationships, learning, and connection grow together.
What is your all time favourite children’s book?
The Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy is my absolute favourite children’s book. As a child the illustrations captured my imagination, I can remember my Mum singing the story to me and creating our own teddy bears’ picnic in the garden. I still have the original copy of the book and read it to my own children!
What is your favourite type of play?
I enjoy seeing children engage in dramatic play. This type of play can be therapeutic and allows children the chance to process and understand past experiences, while using their imagination to add flair and creativity to their play.
Play is children’s work!
Tell us your story about how you got into the early learning sector?
My journey within the early childhood sector began at a small centre. It was here that my passion for ECE was sparked and my own learning and growth was nurtured. I discovered the joy of child-lead, project-based learning and I was fascinated by the process of it. After having my three children, I returned to ECE as a curriculum leader and manager, supporting others with their professional growth and development while striving for excellence in care and education. Taking on the role as Centre Director for New Shoots Rosedale this year has been an absolute highlight, and I feel as though I have truly found my place within the early childhood sector.
What is one thing that parents could do to encourage children learning at home?
Talk, sing, read to your child from day one. Narrate your daily routines and interactions to your pēpi – make it fun with the use of expression, tone and pitch.
We know that the brain is rapidly developing during the first few years of life, therefore exposure to a variety of rich oral language through nursery rhymes, songs, stories have a significant impact on children’s language development.
Photos by Amanda Aitken Photography
What is your favourite rainy day activity for under 5s?
Playing shops! Setting up a scene to facilitate imaginary role play is something I love to do for my own children at home on a rainy day (this was also a favourite during lockdown days). Empty food boxes, small baskets or paper bags, cash register with handmade money – there are endless opportunities for learning through play!
What does intentional teaching look like in the early stages of opening a centre?
Intentional teaching is visible more than ever during these early days. Kaiako have a significant amount of 1:1 time with each child, allowing them the time and space to fully be present in the moment to observe, interact, and progress learning in an unhurried way.
With Rosedale newly opened, you’ve chosen to stagger enrolments in small groups so children can start alongside others at the same time. What does this mean for whānau and their child’s sense of connection?
The Māori proverb, he waka eke noa, which translates to “we are all in this together” comes to mind when I think this. Tamariki and their whānau will experience a deeper level of connection with each other, as they journey through the transition and settling process together.
The cohort intake will be monthly for preschool aged children, with small groups of 4-6 tamariki transitioning into the centre together. During the cohort transition process there will be the opportunity for parents and whānau to step away for a coffee and chat, to get to know each other and connect as their children explore their new environment alongside one another. One on one time will be scheduled for whānau with their support teacher to collaborate, ensuring important information about their child is shared.
We believe that staggering enrolments in small groups will enhance children’s social and emotional competence as they will settle into their new environment alongside peers allowing them to establish social connections early on – the children will already know each other on their first day!
Behind the scenes we have a strong transition framework, but what does that feel like for a child and their whānau walking through the door for the first time?
A feeling of ‘this is my place’ is what we hope tamariki and their whanau will feel as they walk through the door at New Shoots Rosedale; I am seen, I am heard, I feel respected and valued. We are not just educators – we are parents too, we ‘get’ it, we listen and we understand.
Emma’s approach reflects what matters most at New Shoots Rosedale, taking the time to build strong relationships, creating space for children to learn and grow at their own pace, and walking alongside whānau from the very beginning.
As Rosedale continues to grow, this foundation of connection, intentional teaching, and shared journey will shape the experience for every child and family who becomes part of the centre.
Come and see Rosedale for yourself
If you’re looking for a place where your child’s learning is thoughtfully supported through strong relationships and intentional teaching, we’d love to connect with you.
You can learn more about New Shoots Rosedale, explore our spaces, and register your interest below. We also welcome you to book a tour and experience the centre for yourself.