Our Philosophy
Cathy Zuill
- Founder and Teacher
In January 1998 Cathy Zuill founded the Red Beach Early Learning Centre, as a result of a lack of high quality early childhood education on the Hibiscus Coast. As a mum and fully registered teacher, she knew what kind of services her own children and others would benefit from. Small groups of children, qualified teachers and a safe, happy and stimulating environment, were the key ingredients of Cathy’s vision.
The location was perfect; it had warmth, light, and a peaceful setting with access to beaches, parks and recreational facilities. The Centre was built to the highest standards, with dedicated indoor learning areas and an all weather outdoor playground. Never once did Cathy aspire to be considered a mainstream ‘daycare’ facility, or have a location based on roadside visibility.
Cathy built the Red Beach Early Learning Centre to provide the highest care for young minds, and has always believed in keeping groups small. Embracing a traditional learning environment, a forward thinking program rich in literacy and numeracy and a holistic approach, to meet the needs of every child.
Years later, Cathy has remained steadfast in her philosophy, confident that her approach to growing great kids, doesn’t come from modern and clinical environments. Encouraging kiwi-kids to be themselves in a natural environment, learning through observation, exploration, interaction and of course play.
Graduations
Graduations at RBELC are incredibly important because they mark the culmination of the wonderful relationships we have established with the children and their families over a three-year period. This special event celebrates not only the milestone of turning five but also the beginning of their next exciting learning adventure at school. It is a time to honour each child, reflect on the meaningful connections formed, and to look forward to their bright futures ahead. Farewell Zander, we wish you all the best for the next phase of your learning journey!!
Beyond our class
Bringing the world to our students
Our Centre has established a fond presence in the community and we frequently organise guest visits. Police officers present our bike and road safety topic to the children and St John paramedics visit the Centre as part of our ‘Health and Safety’ curriculum. We also invite one of our local librarians to come in and teach the children about how to use the library, and what resources are available to them and their parents. Our children always enjoy the Q&A sessions on the mat, the opportunity to explore the police car, or testing the bandages out on Danny!
As part of our musical curriculum, we have enjoyed the performances of some talented parents, who have kindly offered their time and talents to perform for our children.
Being part of the Red Beach ELC offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to become part of our learning environment, and the wider community. We encourage parents to participate as frequently as they would like to.