Northland Kindergarten Association Early Intervention Service

My name is Geoff Fugle and I am an Early Intervention Advisor for the Northland Kindergarten Association. I have worked with NKA for 6 years as a teacher and head teacher here in Whangārei. Overall I have about 20 years teaching experience as well as within disability and mental health support services.

Early Intervention grows from the premise that the first 1000 days of child’s life is the critical period for children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development. It is here that we learn about being a good friend, understanding and regulating our emotions, communicating our needs in appropriate ways, and learning ‘how to learn’. Every child is unique in the way they master these skills and how long this process may take. Early Intervention acknowledges that some tamariki may need extra support to master these.

Part of my role to ensure that all those people working with your child are supported and have additional resources to best support your child. This may mean we make adaptations to teaching practices, the environment, resources, and routines – essentially, whatever it takes to build and strengthen the skills of your child to build relationships with others and to engage and participate the Kindergarten program to the fullest of their potential.

You and your family are seen as equal and active partners working with both the Kindergarten team and myself. The intensity and types of support we can offer are ‘whānau-centred’ and entirely flexible to meet you and your whānau needs. Learning goals and service delivery are based on your family life, priorities and choices.

The Early Intervention process is about kōrero, building relationships, observing behaviours, understanding what is being communicated through these behaviours, and deciding on learning goals and putting these into action.

geoff@nka.org.nz

Whakarongo | Kōrero | Mahi Tahi