High Quality Relationships = Meaningful Learning Opportunities
Our vision at Grow, is to nurture the next generation and provide an early education that supports optimal brain development. We do this through strong relationships, inspiring and innovative practises, warm and responsive teaching and care from birth to five. Purpose built, Grow is reflective of the living spaces at St Kilda. Our programme design links with the wider world, Te Āo Māori and our local community. We value children being given regular "grass roots" opportunities, sustainable living and connections to the environment. Our philosophy is holistic, to provide education and care tailored specifically for each individual child. We know your child's developing brain deserves the best conditions to provide the foundation for who they will grow to be. Our approach is relational. We work closely in partnership with family to ensure each child is known and loved. Robust preparation for life-long learning, teaching literacy and numeracy are integrated into all interactions.
Strong Leadership: Over 35 Years Education Experience
Behind the vision for Grow are Cambridge sisters, Jayne Dahlberg and Vikki Cooper. They love the magic moments that come from nurturing infants and toddlers and are passionate about motivating young children to learn. With their combined experience of over 40 years across kindergarten and primary teaching as well as in private early childhood management, Grow is in exceptional hands.
Jayne and Vikki naturally merge teaching experience with what's really important: high quality relationships, meaningful learning and development for children in first class, quality environments. They have researched both local and overseas initiatives (everything from EECERA conferences to Finland Educational tours) and are confident that Grow is at the pinnacle of educational excellence for young children.
Committed to Excellence in Care and Education
We know that to best meet the needs of your child, we need the best people. Our people go the extra mile as standard and we love them for it!
Jayne and Vikki lead the team as passionate and knowledgeable teachers first, Centre owners second. Our teachers work alongside our owners as equals and have been through a rigorous appointment process to ensure that they are as passionate and professional as Jayne and Vikki are, with a real heart for making a difference with our children. Our team enjoy generous staff facilities and optimum working conditions.
Our fully commercial kitchen allows us to employ an experienced chef who looks forward to designing her menu to be nutritious and varied. With processed food kept at a minimum, she is well supported to ensure our children are well fuelled throughout the day. She is also a natural with children and can often be found working alongside them both in our dining room as well as in our playrooms. We have also carefully appointed our administrator, Nicki. She's a top support for our teachers but you'll find her going the extra mile for you, our families, too. Nicki prides herself on delivering top service and she's the very best in the business. We know you'll love her as much as we do.