Bella Montessori is a family owned Montessori early childhood centre. Christine manages the centre takes care of the finances. Allie job shares with Christine throughout the week. We believe in quality, the sort of quality that we want for our own family so our values are at the forefront of who we are and what we believe in. Our philosophy is shaped by our Montessori philosophy and te whariki. Te reo and Tikanga Maori are woven into our daily practice.

Our Montessori programme supports children's emerging interests and teachers encourage children to spend as much time as they need to investigate their interests. We believe relationships are the most important aspect of supporting children’s learning. It is the whole aspect of positive relationships that help children develop a sense of belonging which allows children to venture out, take risks, ask questions, problem solve, make choices and explore their knowledge knowing they feel safe and secure.

Our teaching team participate in ongoing professional learning and development and look for regular opportunities to take part in research to improve our practice. We care about providing high quality education to children.

Christine and Allie are the centre managers, working in a job share role. Christine is a fully qualified Montessori and ECE teacher and has owned and operated three early childhood services and has been employed by the Education Review Office as a review officer and the Ministry of Education as a senior advisor. Christine is passionate about providing high quality education to children in Kaiapoi. Allie is a qualified Montessori Teacher and works in the office and with children.

Teacher Qualifications

Christine Kirkeby - Manager - Master of Education (Educational Leadership), Bachelor of Teaching ECE, Post Graduate Diploma of Evaluation, Diploma of Teaching - ECE, Aperfield Montessori Diploma, Diploma of Child and Adolescent psychology. First Aid Certificate, Teacher Registration.

Allie - Teacher/ Manager, Aperfield Montessori Diploma.

Jamie - Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) Teacher Registration, Aperfield Montessori Diploma

Laura - Diploma of Teaching (ECE) Teacher Registration, Aperfield Montessori Diploma

Melissa - Bachelor of Teaching and learning Teacher Registration

Denise - Bachelor of Teaching and Learning Teacher Registration.