Meet the Team: An Interview with Lu Li, Toddler Room Team Leader
Meet Lu Li, our passionate Toddler Room Team Leader at Bright Beginnings Mount Roskill. In this Q&A interview, she shares her teaching philosophy, favourite activities, and what makes the toddler room a joyful, nurturing space for every child
Providing Quality Childcare Since 2012 • Infants, Toddlers & Preschool • Daycare Centre
At the very heart of Bright Beginnings is our incredible team
Following on from our first Meet the Team interview with Sudha, we’re excited to introduce another amazing member of our Bright Beginnings Mount Roskill whānau. Our kaiako (teachers) are the heart of our centre nurturing, guiding, and celebrating every child as they learn and grow.
This time, we sat down with Lu Li , our wonderful Toddler Room Team Leader, whose passion for this curious and energetic age group shines through in everything she does. From sensory play to storytelling, Lu Li brings warmth, patience, and creativity into her teaching every single day.
A Passion for Toddlers
Q: What do you love most about being an early childhood teacher?
A: I love children and love watching them grow and learn new things each day. Seeing their little achievement makes me really happy.
Q: You're the Team Leader for the toddlers. What do you enjoy most about this specific stage of development?
A: I enjoy this stage as they are so curious, learning to talk more, and starting to show their true personalities.
Q: How would you describe your approach to teaching and learning?
A: I believe in child-led learning. I like to follow their interests and let them guide their play and learning. I always support their social and emotional needs and encourage them to explore their own world.
A Day in the Toddler Room
Q: What does a typical day look like in your room?
A: We start with a warm welcome and wonderful table top activities, like drawing, building & construction, and sensory-playdough. Then we have group times, outdoor play, kai times, sleep time, and fun activities again in the afternoon.
Q: Could you share a favourite activity you love to set up for the toddlers?
A: I love setting up different sensory activities for our tamariki, like water play, gloop, sandpit, and painting. Our tamariki really enjoy it, and it helps them to explore using their senses and foster their oral language.
The Bright Beginnings Family
Q: How do you help a new child (and their parents) feel comfortable and settled when they first start?
A: I introduce myself to our new whānau family, and I take time to get to know the child and their family. I set up more fun activities according to that child’s interest, talk gently, and follow that child’s routines from home. I also share updates on Storypark so they know their child is safe and happy.
Q: What makes Bright Beginnings a special place to work?
A: Teamwork!. The team here is very supportive. We all care deeply about the children. The management is also really kind, which makes it a happy place to work and a safe, welcoming place for whānau. It feels like a family, not just a workplace.
Q: Do you have a favourite memory from your time here?
A: One of my favourite memories is our trip to Butterfly Creek with my toddlers, teams, and parent helpers. Our toddlers were so excited to see the butterflies, farm animals, and the train ride. It was lovely sharing that experience with families (whānau) too.
Just for Fun
Q: What's your all-time favourite children's book to read aloud?
A: I love reading the Kia Ora book with our toddlers, as it welcomes all children, shows them about NZ culture, and teaches respect for everyone.
Q: And finally, what do you love to do outside of work?
A: Outside of work, my favourite thing is being with my kids. I love watching them grow and enjoying little family moments together!
We've put together some helpful articles about childcare and daycare in New Zealand
Meet the Team: An Interview with Lu Li, Toddler Room Team Leader
Helping Your Toddler Adjust to a New Sibling
Meet the Team: A chat with Sudha Sharma, Mount Roskill
Natural Materials in Early Childhood Education at BBELC
20 Hours ECE NZ: How the Childcare Subsidy Works for Parents in Auckland
Quick, healthy meals that kiwi kids will actually eat
Our Early Learning Centres
Our early childhood centre environments strongly reflects our inspiration – The Reggio Emilia philosophy, from Reggio Emilia, Italy.
We provide a creative and open ended environment that encourages infinite learning for the children and strong relationships between teachers, children and families.
The day’s routines are flexible. At the same time, care is taken to recognise and respect each child’s needs.
Why Choose a Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre?
- Encouraging the use of natural materials
- A strong transition into school
- Teaching team inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach supports your child’s creative potential.
- Healthy, tasty hot meals cooked fresh on site
- 20 ECE hours available/free sessions for 3 year olds
- A boutique, homely feel to our centres
- Strong connections between teachers and whanau.
Here's what our parents say about our childcare centres
Come and visit one of our childcare centres and see for yourself why your child will love it
Talk to the Centre Manager, meet the team, see the natural outdoor play areas and educational rooms, learn about how we develop our programs and find out more about our unique approach to partnering with our families.
Our latest parent reviews from Google
What are the Different Types of Early Childhood Centres?
