Kindergarten Association rolls out Storypark e-learning

PRESS RELEASE

Auckland Kindergarten Association rolls out Storypark e-learning portfolios

Auckland, February 17, 2015: Following a successful trial, the Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) will be providing all parents at their 111 centres with Storypark during term 1, 2015. Their colleagues at Counties Manukau, Waikato and Central Kids Kindergarten Associations join them in adopting this innovative new locally designed technology.

Storypark is a cloud-based private learning community that allows teachers to privately share updates, photos and videos with families to communicate and involve parents with what is occuring during their child’s day at kindergarten.

The Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) believe children deserve a special place in their neighbourhood that is safe, secure and joyful, and where families can come together to share in their early upbringing.

Tanya Harvey, CEO, AKA views Storypark as a way to support this philosophy and provide a place where parents, whanau and teachers can document, share and celebrate their children’s stories in a safe and engaging way.

“Storypark will help foster communication, providing us with a strong platform to include parents in their child’s learning."

Storypark enables stories to be accessed anywhere simply by logging in and having access to an internet connected smartphone, tablet or computer. With Storypark, parents are the administrators of their child’s account and own all photos, videos and content.

Parents can invite important friends and family anywhere in the world to see, comment and engage in their child’s learning. Peter Dixon, CEO, Storypark says, “Research shows family engagement is key for early childhood development."

Prior to implementing Storypark, a three-month trial was conducted at 5 AKA Kindergartens and 1 KiNZ education and care centre (a subsidiary of the AKA). Feedback at the conclusion of the trial was overwhelmingly positive.

“Teachers are enthusiastic about the possibilities of an e-portfolio system. Parents enjoyed the opportunity to learn and experience more of their child’s day – they are excited about Storypark and it has already strengthened the communication link between the centre and wider community." Tanya says.

“We've been providing quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) to the children of Auckland for over a hundred years. ECE is multi-faceted and constantly evolving. We are always looking for innovative ways to improve. Our partnership with Storypark will help connect and empower the communities we serve."

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About Auckland Kindergarten Association

Established in 1908, the Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA) is a charitable trust make up of 107 kindergartens and 4 KiNZ early learning centres, located throughout the greater Auckland region. At the AKA, we provide a safe and enriching learning environment where children can develop as confident and competent learners. Our kindergartens offer quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) that is inclusive of the diversity of children, parents and whanau that attend.

www.aka.org.nz

About Storypark

Finalist in the 2014 NZ Innovation Awards for two categories, Storypark is a quickly growing Wellington-based technology company with a heart. They believe that a child’s growth is determined by their individual nature and the way they’re nurtured. Every child is unique and perfect. But society is becoming increasingly isolated. Neighbourhoods, families, generations and individuals are separated by the pace and practices of modern-day life.

Storypark believes it takes a community to raise a child, and have created their platform to help support this belief. By recognising a child’s individual interests and passions, and enabling the community around them to best support their learning we believe we can make a positive difference to our children’s futures, and in the lives of the people that care for them.

www.storypark.com

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