Kia ora!
We are Rody and Karen, the owners and operators of Brainwaves Preschool.
We have both worked in early childhood education for 16 plus years as the owners and teachers in multiple centres. We have three children of our own (nearly all grown up!), who are each completely different from one another. They are all intelligent, but in very different ways. They are a constant reminder that no two people in the world are the same.
They have taught us to see each person with a holistic perspective, celebrating that which makes us each so very individual. We approach your child’s early learning journey this way too, appreciating their unique combination of interests, strengths and prior experiences,
It was as part of our own unending learning journey that we discovered and fell in love with the Multiple Intelligence model of teaching and learning. We love how it recognizes the skills and strengths of every child and how, at any own moment, they are being ‘smart’ in one or multiple ways.
While influenced by the Multiple Intelligence model, our programme of early learning and development also draws from contemporary educational and human research, and the work of respected international theorists of early childhood from Montessori to RIE, Reggio Emilio and more, which are woven through our curriculum, practice, and physical environment. Just as we recognise that each child is unique, we also love the diversity and ideas of many theorists, and happily combine the best of a range of early education methods to create the best of all worlds.
Our vision is to provide an irresistible environment of fun, laughter and learning to support every child to develop their own unique abilities and discover their own unlimited potential.
Rody and Karen O’Reilly
Centre Owners, Brainwaves Preschool
Our priorities and values
Our values
Our values are deeply embedded in all we do:
We hold love and care as our first languages. Everyone is valued, respected and heard
We believe all learning is integrated and interconnected and unique for each child
We value and embrace diversity, individuality and each child’s developmental journey
We ensure that our environment is appropriate for each child’s developmental stage
We are child led, encouraging children to take initiative and experience freedom for active exploration and purposeful play.
Our priorities
These things are important to us. We aim to:
Provide an atmosphere which supports a child’s natural love of learning
Create an environment where potential is nurtured and each child discovers their unique personality
Nurture a sense of wonder and inspire imagination
Follow a holistic approach that encompasses a child’s mind, body and spirit
Foster respect, love and care for the natural environment
Support each child’s growing awareness of their body, feelings, thoughts and attitudes
Consistently maintain a high quality learning environment where happy, confident and lifelong learners are created.