About Us

We cater for children of Lincoln University staff, students, and the local community. We are licensed for thirty-three children in our centre with a maximum of 9 in our nursery.

What you will find at LUECC:

  • Passionate, enthusiastic qualified and experienced kaiako.
  • Small group sizes with quality ratios and a multi-cultural environment (1:4 Nursery and 1:8 for Preschool).
  • Rich and meaningful experiences in a nurturing environment, where children are empowered to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Warm, friendly nursery, guided by the principles of RIE and Pikler.
  • Weekly gym session at the Lincoln University Recreation Centre for 2-4 years old during school term (at no extra cost).
  • Exciting and challenging preschool room offering inquiry-based learning. This helps children develop their self-directed learning skills through investigating the small research projects. Children learn to turn their wonderings into knowledge and promote a love of lifelong learning.
  • Transition to school programme which supports their development of the knowledge, understanding and competencies that enable children to become confident and successful during their transition to school journey.
  • Open, natural environment where children interact with nature, supporting sustainable environments as proud members of both Enviroschools and Lincoln Envirotown Trust awards.
  • 20 hours ECE for 3-5 year olds.
  • Proud to be a Breastfeeding friendly Centre.

About us

 

History

Lincoln University Early Childhood Centre (LUECC) was initially established in 1994 to meet the needs of the students and staff of Lincoln University and is now open to everyone in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. The Centre is licensed for 33 children across two rooms: with a maximum of 9 children in the nursery area.

Structure

The Centre is governed by Lincoln University. The daily operation and management of the Centre is the responsibility of the Manager and everyone in the teaching team, who ensure that the Centre is meeting the needs of the children attending; and respecting the aspirations that parents and their families / whānau hold for their children.

Vision

LUECC promotes a learning environment where children use inquiry-based learning to enable them to become competent researchers of knowledge. Children experience a well-resourced natural environment that focuses on promoting sustainability and environmental education.

Programme

Our programme is guided by Te Whāriki Te Ara Whānui, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum. The programme is designed to build upon the prior knowledge, experiences, skills, attitudes, and cultural identities that children and their families bring to the Centre. We nurture and extend children’s interests and strengths while encouraging the development of key competencies to support their transition to school. We strive to create an environment and provide experiences that empower children to make choices and explore their world through play, fostering the optimal growth and development of every child.

Assessment

Children are observed while at play for the kaiako to build an understanding, appreciate and be responsive to the development of each child. This information is collected in the form of learning notes across the curriculum. Kaiako are responsive to this information and provide intentional strategies to enhance each child’s future learning pathway. This is collated in a portfolio for your child during their time at LUECC.

Staff

We offer qualified kaiako who are passionate about providing a welcoming and engaging environment with small group sizes and high-quality ratios (1:4 for Nursery and 1:8 for Preschool).

Our philosophy

Our philosophy at LUECC reflects the following four key values.

Whanaungatanga

Sense of kinship

Matauranga

Knowledge and wisdom

Ako

Shared learning between teachers and students

Akoranga

Process of learning

Involvement in the centre

We welcome your involvement in the centre and in your child’s learning journey. At LUECC we celebrate days of cultural significance and invite you to join in or contribute in any way you feel comfortable. You’re welcome to join us on any regular or special excursions we partake in. If you are interested, please let the Centre Manager or a Kaiako know.