Understanding Your Child’s Early Development Stages
Table of Contents
The first five years of a child’s life are more than just a phase – they’re the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and identity. We understand just how crucial these years are. That’s why every room in our centres is carefully designed to support your child’s unique developmental journey.
Let’s look at how we support and help your early learner thrive through each development stage at our three childcare centres:
Infants (0–18 months): Building Trust and Security
Developmental Focus:
In the earliest months, infants begin developing trust, attachment, and awareness of the world around them. Physically, they’re learning to control their bodies and interact with their environment.
How Treetops Supports This Phase:
In our Nest, we focus on responsive, loving care. Our kaiako (teachers) build strong, nurturing relationships with each pēpi (baby), recognising their individual rhythms and cues. Te Whāriki emphasises the importance of Belonging and Wellbeing, ensuring each child feels safe, secure, and valued from day one.
Toddlers (1–3 years): Exploring and Experimenting
Developmental Focus:
Toddlers are busy discovering how the world works! This phase is full of movement, curiosity, and language development. Social skills begin to emerge as they start engaging with others.
How Treetops Supports This Phase:
In our Toddler Room, learning through play is key. We offer open-ended resources and opportunities for tamariki to explore and problem-solve at their own pace. Through the Exploration strand of Te Whāriki, children are encouraged to test ideas, express themselves, and build confidence as capable learners.
Young Preschoolers (3–4 years): Identity and Independence
Developmental Focus:
This is a time of rapid growth in imagination, communication, and self-awareness. Children begin to develop a stronger sense of identity and enjoy making decisions for themselves.
How Treetops Supports This Phase:
In our Kea room, we foster independence while continuing to support emotional regulation and social interaction. Our kaiako guide children to take increasing responsibility for their learning, as outlined in Te Whāriki’s Contribution and Communication strands. This stage also includes more structured group experiences that prepare children for the routines of school.
Preschoolers (4–5 years): Preparing for School and Beyond
Developmental Focus:
At this age, tamariki are refining their social, cognitive, and motor skills. They begin forming early literacy and numeracy concepts, and develop the confidence needed for a smooth transition to school.
How Treetops Supports This Phase:
Our Pathways-to-School Programme is also part of our Kea Room experience, where we intentionally support school readiness through project work, storytelling, early writing, and problem-solving tasks. We help children develop persistence, self-help skills, and a love for learning. The Empowerment strand of Te Whāriki ensures tamariki feel competent and confident as learners and contributors.
Te Whāriki: The Foundation of Everything We Do
Across all age groups, Te Whāriki provides the woven mat that underpins our teaching philosophy. With its four guiding principles – Empowerment, Holistic Development, Family and Community, and Relationships – Te Whāriki helps us nurture children not just academically, but socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
In this insightful article, Plunket describes the different milestones young children go through during the early years. It is a great read for parents who are interested in learning more.
