New Group Manager of YMCA Auckland Early Childhood Education

Monday, 5 March 2012, 10:43 am
Press Release: YMCA

A vision of warmth and professionalism in YMCA’s Early Childhood Education

Rae Dalton appointed as new leader in growing Early Childhood Centres across Auckland

Auckland, March 5th 2012 – YMCA Auckland has appointed passionate educator and leader, Raewynne (Rae) Dalton, as its new Group Manager of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Rae will be leading the establishment of new ECE centres across Auckland and guiding the development of YMCA’s three existing centres.

“The Y has become a thriving player in the realm of ECE,” says Rae. “By engaging with schools, whanau and local communities, I hope to further the Y’s growth in providing quality early childhood care and education through first-class facilities around Auckland.”

Rae has had a successful career in ECE. Starting as a Preschool teacher, she has progressed to an array of leadership roles in a variety of child education organisations Most recently, she worked as the Director of ECE Services for the Anglican Trust for Women & Children, where she piloted the operations and educational vision of two flourishing early childhood centres.

“Rae comes with a passion for children which matches that of the Y and my own” comments Christine Walter, Executive Director – Recreation, YMCA Auckland. “She is about the children and the staff and what works best for the child’s development. Her background with the Anglican Trust for Women and Children fits well with what we are wanting to achieve in South Auckland”.

Rae will be responsible for establishing independent ECE centres based in schools across Auckland. “There is a dual nature to the Y’s approach in ECE,” she says. “On the one hand, we need to create centres that fully comply with the Ministry of Education guidelines, and have professional management and support systems throughout our ECE network. At the same time, while it is vital that we tick the administrative boxes, my vision is to also develop warm and caring centres that engage families and cater towards the needs of local communities.”

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“I’m looking forward to a number of aspects of my new job,” says Rae. “I’m excited to be working with managers and staff who are truly passionate about making a difference to the lives of children, families, and communities. I’m particularly keen to offer support to whanau, so that they become partners with us in the growth of ECE. At the core, it’s about providing all families with equal rights to affordable educational opportunities for their children.

“Our pathway to success will be through meeting with new parents and communities, creating solutions to new challenges, and breaking down barriers to non-participation. I hope that with my passion and experience in this area, I can help the Y to create vibrancy in the sphere of ECE.”

About YMCA Auckland

Established in 1855 YMCA Auckland is one of the oldest organisations in the country. Its mission is to lead the way as the most respected provider of services for people to reach their full potential in body, mind and spirit and the vision is to build strong kids, strong families and communities.

The YMCA Auckland owns/operates nine fitness clubs, delivers youth programmes at seven sites across Auckland with over 4,000 attendances each month, has more stadiums than anyone else (eight), has three camps, a 130 bed hostel and a 100 room hotel. It also has two swim schools, three early childhood education facilities and is the largest provider of OSCAR programmes in New Zealand. http://www.ymcaauckland.org.nz/ YMCA facilities are located in the CBD in Auckland - Albert Street (fitness), Grey Ave, Pitt Street (hostel) and Vincent Street (City Lodge). Ellerslie (fitness), Glendowie (Swim School), Hamilton (fitness), Hunau (Camp Adair), Massey, Mt Albert (fitness), North Shore (fitness), Onehunga (fitness) , Panmure (aquatics and fitness), Panmure (stadium), Shakespeare (camp), Waiwera (camp).

For more information see http://www.ymcaauckland.org.nz/

ENDS

YMCA

Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities

The Y has been in New Zealand for over 168 years, building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. There are 48 Y centres across New Zealand.