Te Aroha
Home-based Steiner Childcare

"...children need a 'nest'. It need not be large, but it must be quiet and protected. There they are nourished and given warmth, night and day. As they grow, their space, too, must grow, the nest widen out...'Milk and honey' should flow in the nest. Milk here means food, protection, care. Honey flows in attention, love, enthusiasm. When the child takes his first steps out into the world, he needs a hand that will hold but also be ready to let go... Respect of the child's person and unconditional love make it possible for him to find his own way.

Who catches the little ones when they fall out of the heavens? Who builds this nest for them? Who has the courage to shape the life of a little person whose way ahead one does not know?" -Isabella Quist

We believe that the ideal place for young children to grow and develop is at home with their family. We see a warm and loving home experience as the basic foundation for life. When children are ready to be out in the world in a new way, Steiner Kindergartens are an extension and enrichment of the child's 'nest'- their home.

We also fully acknowledge that many of the pressures families experience make it difficult to create this ideal for our children. Work outside the home, and study, are perhaps the most common reasons for families to seek childcare. Whatever the reasons may be, our aim is to support families to find the best possible solution to a situation that may not be their ideal.

Te Aroha is a network of carers with affiliation to the Rudolf Steiner Trust Otago. The caregivers affiliated with Te Aroha work out of an understanding of child development inspired by Rudolf Steiner. Aside from the absence of television and plastic toys in their homes, the caregivers also bring a unique approach to their work. They endeavour to gain an understanding of the child, and a relationship with the family that allows them to offer loving and holistic care for our precious children.

Caregiver Profiles

Tace Wilson lives in Waitati and is the mother of Olive. She works out of a strong understanding of the Steiner approach, and offers sensitive and loving care for a small number of children for limited hours each week. In addition to being a care-giver with Te Aroha, Tace also co-facilitates the Waitati Steiner Playgroup.

482-1161, tacewilson@gmail.com

Sorry, Tace has no spaces currently available. Contact her to discuss spaces on her waiting list.

For Prospective Caregivers

Do you believe becoming a care-giver affiliated with Te Aroha might be right for you? This information sheet outlines our basic membership criteria and the process involved.

Te Aroha info for prospective caregivers (PDF)

Te Aroha info for prospective caregivers (Word)