Childcare options in Kohimarama

Our aim is to support the development of

• independence
• self-confidence
• high self-esteem
• positive social interactions
• a life-long love of learning
• as well as acknowledging and celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of the children who attend our centre.

Our pre-school caters for up to 30 children with 4 fully qualified and registered teachers. Our stable and long serving team delivers a rich programme which offers a balance of structure and free play to ensure your child is fully prepared for their transition on to primary school.

Our philosophy

We believe the basis of a child’s personality is laid before six years, so it is these earlier years which are the most important during their developmental life. The child under six is gifted with a mind capable of absorbing and learning without effort, therefore should be exposed to as many quality learning opportunities as possible during this time.

This is supported through our holistic approach to learning where children are given opportunities to make choices, to experiment and explore, to become thinkers and ask questions within a stimulating non-threatening environment; an environment with appropriate limits and boundaries, that delivers a high level of safety procedures for the well being of the children in our care.

A child’s most important instrument of learning is movement, especially that of the hands. At all times, and particularly in the classroom, a child must be given the opportunity for meaningful activity. This is reflected in our programme, our resources, and our environment.

Why choose us?

We offer the children opportunities to work in a calm, structured environment where their focus and concentration can be extended. In our nurturing, small centre our high level of qualified teaching staff offer many rich and varied learning opportunities to children individually and in small groups both indoors and outdoors. They are passionate about what they do and this is evident in the care they provide.

The Montessori environment contains specifically designed, hands on materials that invite children to engage in learning activities of their own individual choice. Under the guidance of a Montessori teacher, children learn by making discoveries, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. The Montessori curriculum includes practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, botany, geography, art, music, drama, environmental studies and physical activity.

All children have individual learning goals identified and the teaching team work together with families to achieve these goals and challenge the child to explore, discover and flourish in their time with us. As children transition from us and onto their next stage at primary school we are confident they are well prepared with the necessary skills for a seamless and positive start at school.

This Centre opened in 2004 as the Selwyn College Family Centre. It is an Incorporated Society and a registered Charity. It is now named the Carol White Family Centre, in recognition of the commitment of the former college principal to the provision of early childhood education in association with schools.

The Centre operates in a complex multicultural and social context, and focuses on responding to and providing for its largely refugee migrant community. Most of the children attending the Centre have parents attending the college's REAF (Refugee Education for Adults and Families) programme, which operates in adjacent buildings. Bilingual support staff provide invaluable assistance for teachers as they work with children and their families.