Our People.
Our success depends upon individual and collective efforts. Combining our talents, experience and expertise in a cooperative and positive manner for the benefit of each other, our children and our parents. Read through just a few of the many stories you'll find when you talk with our staff and get to know the Kidicorp Experience...
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Sasha Stewart
Professional Services
Auckland
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I started my training in Nelson, worked in Blenheim and Nelson and completed my final year by distance learning. I met my partner who lived in Auckland and decided to move to the big city. I contacted Kidicorp after seeing an advertisement and telephoned Julia, Kidicorp’s National Recruitment Manager. I wondered if I could really work for a big organisation but I did fly to Auckland for an interview. It was apparent the centres, while under Kidicorp management, were encouraged to keep their own individual identity and uniqueness and Kidicorp was more than willing to take into consideration my own skills and teaching style. I selected the centre I would most like to work for, my relocation expenses were met by Kidicorp and the transition went very smoothly. There are so many people able and willing to assist you and I get so many opportunities for professional development. My Group Manager is great and I know if I ever needed a new challenge I can ask Kidicorp what they will do for me….watch this space!
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Lynda Grant
Business Manager
Bay of Plenty
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I moved to Tauranga from Gisborne in 1997 and on my first day went into Topkidz at the Mount and started full time working with 3 to 5 year olds. I started my training towards my Diploma of Teaching while also raising my two children Mason and Cody. I continued studying and have now completed my Bachelor of Teaching and ECE management certificate. At the time Kidicorp took over the management of the centre I was the centre manager. I was naturally concerned with the changes to come. As Kidicorp grew in my region I was delighted to be offered the role of Group Manager, a role which I have held for the past two years. In my position as Group Manager, I support the centres in my region and I am involved in all areas of centre life. I like to still have time to work on the floor which keeps me in touch with the children, as children are my passion.
I feel that Kidicorp has great support networks in place and that we are continually getting better. We are given professional development opportunities and we have the opportunity to attend a Kidicorp Leadership Conference to better understand and gain expertise in the leadership behaviours Kidicorp promotes. This sets the foundation for me and I come away looking at ways I can do things smarter. Even though teaching can be stressful at times, we know how to have fun and our annual Christmas parties give us an opportunity to celebrate our year. We are currently reflecting and reviewing Te Reo Tikanga Maori practices and reflection and review is an ongoing part of our centre activity. Our teacher appraisal system clarifies what challenges lie ahead and we are committed to achieving these on an ongoing basis.
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Renee Knight
Professional Services
Auckland
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Before working for Kidicorp I was a centre manager of a 50 placement centre. I had heard about Kidicorp, the centres, the growth and the philosophy as well as career opportunities which are constantly being offered. I began my career with Kidicorp at Mainly Kids in Remuera and I was part of the set up and opening of the centre. Within 6months I was offered the position as Centre Manager at Bright Horizons in Takanini which for me was a great environment, for the children as well!
After a year I was asked if I would be interested in taking on other challenges which involved a significant amount of coaching and mentoring. This has led to the opportunity for me to move into a new regional role, that of Professional Development Manager. We have a team of regional professional development managers and we work closely with group and centre managers and teachers in organising and implementing strategies and relevant workshops to support and develop all areas of teaching practice. The professional development team I am working with is great. Both the team and Kidicorp have been very supportive of me and it is great to be employed not only by a company that values me but also values the education and care of children.
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