Dee Walker - Centre Owner
As the proud owner of Beachcomber Early Learning Centre and The Learning Ladder, I am passionate about young children and how the experiences they have can shape who they become in later life.
I have no doubt that the first five years are fundamental to the growth of a happy, healthy, well-rounded child.
Most of all, I truly believe that parents should feel supported through their child’s early years with the wealth of knowledge possessed by my team of amazing, nurturing, patient, and passionate teachers.
Beachomber Early Learning Centre is a private enterprise, which enables us to cater to each child’s individual needs.
All children who attend Beachcomber Early Learning Centre will be part of a safe, friendly, kind, and educational environment. We view our centre as your child’s home away from home and as an extension of their home.
A happily married mother of three, I have a young adult son and two younger daughters.
I enjoy my work, family time, travel, food, music, the beach, and my pets - two dogs, four chickens, and three turtles!
Please don’t hesitate to drop into the centre or call me for a chat – I’d love to talk to you.
Natalie - General Manager for Beachcomber Early Learning Centre and The Learning Ladder
I have had the pleasure of working for The Learning Ladder since 2020, as the Centre Manager and now the General Manager for both The Learning Ladder and Beachcomber Early Learning Centre.
I have been in ECE since 2011 and have always been interested in the transition to school process and working to find a generalised way to support all children across all centres to transition to school, so that no child falls through the gap.
As the years have gone by, I have found that supporting teachers to be the confident and capable kaiako that they know they are has become my passion.
Supporting and growing teachers from their student phase to being qualified and registered teachers who are open and willing to grow and take on new challenges is what keeps me going.
Happy, confident, and valued teachers make for happy children, which makes for happy parents.
Vikki - Administration
(Currently on Maternity Leave)
It is such a pleasure to welcome our tamariki and whanau into Beachcomber at the beginning of each week.
From my very first visit to Beachcomber, the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, so I could not wait to join the team as office/admin support.
With many years spent enjoying working in childcare and office management, it is an honour to be in a role where I can combine my passion and love for working with children with my experience in office administration.
Ange - Team Leader
I have spent 30 years working in various educational centres. I live locally with my husband and son.
Beachcomber Early Learning Centre enables me to pursue my passion for working with young children.
I feel privileged to collaborate with families and support their children’s development of confidence and skills through caring and supportive relationships.
I believe in creating fun and creative environments where children can explore their imagination while feeling safe and secure.
Rylie - Teacher, Qualified and Registered
I have been teaching in early childhood since my teens and now have two young children.
I carry my gentle parenting practices with me as a teacher, supporting emotional regulation and providing a safe and nurturing environment.
Respectful care and genuine connections are the heart of my philosophy.
I am passionate about learning through play, especially using heuristic resources and loose parts, and seek to inspire curiosity and wonder through meaningful learning experiences.
I look forward to being part of your child’s learning journey.
Kate - Teacher
I began working in early childhood education in late 2020 with infants and babies, and in 2023, I transitioned to teaching preschool age and have been loving it ever since.
I love teaching and one of my favourite parts of being a teacher is watching them grow, develop, and explore their world.
I am passionate about play-based learning and fostering curiosity and exploration through meaningful experiences. I love incorporating sensory experiences and art, and creative activities into learning.
I am excited to be a part of your child’s learning journey and part of the Beachcomber family.
I look forward to working alongside and building meaningful relationships with our tamariki/children and their whanau/family, and supporting their growth, learning, and development.
Every visit from prospective parents and children is exciting, and we look forward to meeting you.
Feel free to arrange a visit, see the centre and enjoy a chat with our amazing team.
