EMPLOYMENT AT SOUTHLAND KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION

Marie Thomson, Head Teacher

I have worked for over 20 years in Early Childhood. I have worked in other services but Kindergarten is where I belong because of the high level of professionalism, the camaraderie with colleagues and the sense of belonging to an organisation that is making a difference to children and families.

The Southland Kindergartens are well resourced and maintained. The management and teacher support systems are second to none. This Association views teachers as their most important resource and you do feel you are truly valued. There is a real personal approach with the management knowing their teachers well and it shows in the support that they offer and the care and respect that they extend to us all.

The professional development opportunities are enormous. I have been able to attend many excellent conferences around the country.

This Association is bold and forward thinking, they were right behind my team when we approached them about becoming a pilot kindergarten for the Government Parent Support and Development initiative. Many of our Kindergartens lead the way in Early Childhood by being involved in research and pilot programme's.

All in all it is an exciting adventure working for our Association!