Childcare options in Massey

Kia ora and welcome to Don Buck Kindergarten!

We are a multi-cultural Kindergarten located in Massey right next door to Don Buck Primary School.

We are fortunate to have a large and beautiful outdoor garden environment for children to freely explore, play and learn. We are well resourced with many quality resources loved and enjoyed by all our tamariki. We believe in free play and offer an environment that allows children space to explore and choose for themselves.

We highly value the sense of belonging and well-being for all tamariki and their family and whanau, and this is something our teachers work hard to achieve and uphold.

All are welcomed here at Don Buck Kindergarten, so pop in any time and say ‘Hi’.

Our learning philosophy

For the past 110 years, the Auckland Kindergarten Association has been igniting young minds by encouraging them to explore their imaginations through play. For many of us, kindergarten was where we began our life of learning; it was where we started learning skills like sharing, tolerance, patience, respect and self-confidence.

We view children as capable, competent, life-long learners, and our philosophy encourages children to make their own learning choices, problem-solve and observe and explore at their own pace…with support from teachers, parents, wider whānau and their peers. We value the importance of child-initiated, play-based experiences. Our kindergarten teachers nurture your children’s interests and natural curiosity by working alongside them, expanding language and introducing mathematical and science concepts, as well as literacy, digital technology and sustainable practices.

Our centres have gardens and natural outdoor spaces where children can create, explore, be imaginative and expressive. There’s plenty of room to safely run about, being imaginative and physically active. In fact, the natural world is essential to free-range play. AKA encourages each kindergarten community to explore and enrich their diversity and uniqueness. Some have regular excursions into the local community; some are Enviroschool kindergartens that live and breathe sustainable practices; while others engage in long-term research on child interest-based programmes of learning.

As an organisation, we formally acknowledge the dual heritage of Aotearoa / New Zealand, and work to uphold the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in each kindergarten. We are accessible, secular and welcoming to the wide diversity of tamariki and whānau who attend our centres, and value ongoing partnerships between teaching teams and leadership staff with families and whānau. We value ongoing learning for teachers, parents and whānau, and the sharing of knowledge, skills and attributes is fundamental to achieving the best learning outcomes for children. Teachers and staff can access collegial professional time to ensure that quality practice is enhanced so current theories of learning and development within New Zealand’s world-class Te Whāriki early childhood curriculum are shared and understood.

Children learn

Children in our kindergartens have the opportunity to:

• Feel confident, develop responsibility and a sense of independence
• Play meaningfully alongside other children and adults
• Develop effective communication skills
• Persevere, problem-solve and take risks
• Explore limits, boundaries, routines and conflict resolution strategies
• Practice fine motor skills such as threading, writing, cutting and grasping
• Develop gross motor play such as physical games like climbing, throwing, kicking, balancing and lifting
• Develop creative expressions through painting, music, collage, movement, dance, finger-painting, drawing, cutting, pasting and story sharing
• Develop early numeracy, literacy and science skills
• Learn techniques through trial and error
• Explore the world through experimenting, questioning and curiosity
• Develop confidence and celebrate both attempts and successes
• Develop a passion for learning and a love of life
• Have fun!

Older children will be supported in their transition to school to make this process as simple and seamless as possible. Book a visit here on Kindello today, we’d love to meet you.

Massey Playcentre sits next to picturesque Lincoln Park Reserve in the heart of Massey. On the large centre grounds our children get to explore and play, knowing they are never far from their special big person.

At Massey Playcentre you can expect a wide range of quality rescources, a rich learning environment for both child and adult, lots of laughter and fun and mess. Playcentre is our community. To enrich our relationships with one another, we organise activities out of centre, play dates and social events for the parents. We are a warm and supportive lot.

If having fun, awesome teachers, and a multicultural environment gets your child excited, we’d love to have them at our Massey childcare centre. Here at YMCA Massey Early Learning Centre, we have a heap of activities for your child to engage in, from arts and crafts, water play, carpentry, and more!

Not only do we provide a centre for tamariki to have a blast, we have fully licensed teachers who work closely with whanau, to ensure your little one is cared for, and learning lots. We also celebrate diversity, and Te Reo and Tikanga Maori hold a special place within our walls.

With so much fun, and so much learning to do, your child will look forward to becoming a part of the YMCA Massey Early Learning Centre whanau.

Massey Early Learning centre is conveniently located in the heart of Massey in West Auckland. Parking is freely available.

Explore, learn & smile!

Our Science, Nature and Numeracy Area celebrates the world around us. Children engage in science whenever they are learning about the world around them. This play allows children to develop a perception of themselves as explores - competent, confident learners who ask questions and make discoveries.

Natural resources are gifted from Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) and are fundamental learning experiences. Hands-on experiences with natural materials offer children opportunities to develop theories about how things work in the living, physical and material world.

Strength & success!

Our art and craft zone with a wide range of items encourages children to explore their creative side and express themselves through creations.

Our covered play area is a fun and interactive zone for kids with specially selected activities that allow kids to choose individual play or group play and develop essential skills such as communication, sharing and team work.

Caring for under 2's is a special job and we recognise the unique requirements of our younger children. The under 2's area provides a dedicated zone separating the younger and older children where they can actively explore and develop at their own pace.

Jump, move & have fun!

We are located next-door to a YMCA Recreation centre, and we incorporate the experience of the YMCA children's instructors to teach fundamental movement through fun-based learning sessions. The large, closed space available at the centre for little bodies to move is a huge support in the event of rainy or cold weather.

Being active is a key part of our Early Learning Centre - we also take the children on safe, highly supervised walks around the local area

JeMMa’s Home-based Education and Childcare was founded on the belief that early childhood education plays a major role in a child’s ability to develop skills and learn throughout life. 

As a kindergarten teacher, Jenny Tyrrell could see that children who had a focus of learning whilst in a home environment appeared better equipped to learn in the future. As well as this, children who were well socialised with other children of different ages appeared to cope better than others. 

It was those two key observations which cemented her belief; that a child, learning with other children, in a homebased environment rather than an institutional environment, was the best way to go. And that’s how JeMMa’s started. The name is derived from a combination of the two directors names, Jenny and Martin. 

At JeMMa’s we believe that home-based education and care is the next best alternative to learning at home with Mum or Dad 

Children who learn in a comfortable home-based environment seem to develop strong problem solving, social and learning skills. Because they are in a comfortable, uncrowded environment children they get the chance to develop and learn at steady pace with all the help they need. 

JeMMa’s children receive lots of one-on-one time with their educator, as well as interaction with other children in different age groups. These are two core components in the development of happy, energetic, sharing, respectful, thoughtful, problem solving and fun loving kids. 

Our Philosophy 

JeMMa’s is a quality privately owned family focused Homebased Education and Childcare Service that is committed to ensuring that all children, parents, whānau and kaiako are welcomed and encouraged to play an active role in promoting positive outcomes for our learners. We are guided and inspired by Te Whāriki our early childhood curriculum which encourages us to appreciate that children come into the world eager to learn and we see this as a privilege where we can work in partnership with children, parents and whānau to empower our learners through responsive engaging environments and experiences where they can reach their highest potential and develop an enthusiasm for ongoing learning. 

Building and sustaining quality learning focused relationships with everyone is the essence to who are and what believe is valuable for outcomes for children and their ongoing wellbeing and development. Our nurturing relationships will be underpinned through our Christian values and connection with people within our service and our wider communities.  Our environments will embrace cultural diversity of Aotearoa and our commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi will be authentic. 

We view all children as unique learners where they will have endless opportunities to learn through play and develop a range of knowledge, skills, and learning dispositions. This will spark children’s independence, urge to lead their own learning, social skills, curiosity, creativity, discovery, ability to express themselves and things that are important to them. Our kaiako will dedicate quality time with our children where they will nurture those in the moment opportunities and offer the guidance, support, and encouragement that our learners need to blossom and thrive. 

Talofa lava and Greetings to all parents, caregivers, aiga, fanau and children from the Leataata 0 Tupulaga O le Pasefika Pre-school. The following information is to help you understand our philosophy and how we operate. It will assist in what you can expect from this Pre-school for your child.

“High Quality Early Childhood Education is the only proven technique that will alter the life course of a child.”

Our philosophy enables children to experience an environment where they are safe, enhance and value their own culture and customs and especially our Samoan language. We believe that children can benefit in a very positive way, from their experiences in a quality Centre, that is fun and educational. Play is an important factor that enhances the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of the young child.

We are a small and vibrant preschool licenced for 40 children conveniently located within the grounds of Royal Road School, providing full day education for children over 2 years old. We promote an inclusive play-based curriculum, where children work alongside each other teaching and learning, and making sense of their world around them. We strive to provide an environment rich in opportunity, enabling children to explore their curiosity, initiate and maintain friendships, and develop their sense of self-worth and ability. We absolutely value our outdoor environment, acknowledging the rich learning that comes from getting into nature. We climb trees, dig (and jump in) mud holes, grow vegetables, and scavenge for bugs. 

We are part of the LIFEWISE trust, and strive to remove barriers for parents and wh?nau, enabling all children to experience quality education. We have an amazing teaching team of 5 permanent qualified and in-training teachers, and promote a sense of whanaungatanga and togetherness. We work within a collaborative environment and welcome wh?nau involvement every day. We warmly invite you to call in and have a cuppa and look around any day between 9.30am – 2.30pm. Nga mihi nui, Sharon, Liz, Mich, Ri, Leigh and Cherise

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Jolly Stars is a unique and diverse place which makes you feel warm, inviting and welcome with a sense of belonging.

We acknowledge Māori as Tangata Whenua and honour the Treaty of Waitangi by respecting Kaupapa Maori and valuing and incorporating Te Reo Māori in our daily learning and teaching practice.​

Our children are our pride and joy whom we believe to be competent, confident and independent learners. We believe 'play' is the vital key to their learning and development in a holistic way. We place great value in nurturing our children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

​We believe parents, families and Whanau play an important role in our children's lives. We respect and value their contribution and encourage them to share their aspirations for their children. We aim to form a strong, positive, responsive, reciprocal and respectful relationship with them through honest and open communications.

As educators, we provide a rich, engaging and challenging environment where children explore and discover through their senses with access to a wide variety of resources. We value their growth and progression in learning and development, identifying and promoting potential dispositions which help them learn across different contexts and settings. This also provides a platform for them to be ready to embark on their next learning journey.

We believe that together we build a community of capable learners, problem solvers and critical thinkers who will impact their surroundings and their world in a positive and powerful way and make valuable contributions to the society.

We are a private day care located in West Auckland. As a center we are passionate about providing a safe and warm environment to help develop capable, competent, confident learners. We are whānau focused, with the child at the heart of the matter.

Lifewise early childhood centres remove the cost barriers to high-quality early childhood education. We wrap our care and expertise around each child, so they’re nurtured, supported and able to thrive.

We’ll design a caring plan that works for your child

We start by sitting down with you to hear about what you want for your child. We’ll listen closely to understand their needs. Together we’ll create a plan for care that nurtures your child so they can flourish.

Our experienced teachers put your child at the centre of everything we do.

We:

• serve your child and make sure their needs come first
• show children they have a right to speak
• hear and respect your child’s wishes
• value your child’s individuality
• give your child time to do things at their own pace.
• We create caring connections

Lifewise Early Childhood Education Centres nurture connections between children’s wellbeing, nature and whānau.

Keeping close to the natural environment is one of our strengths. 

We’ve designed our centres so we can:

• connect with nature every day
• let children learn about the power of Papatūānuku
• have less plastic and more play gardens
• stay grounded through the five senses
• help children to explore and be creative through free play
• welcome whānau to get involved
• We build strong relationships

We help build strong relationships for children, whānau connections and communities of support for parents.

At Lifewise, this begins with how we treat every child. 

We:

• listen to children – always
• are never too busy for kids
• take time to enjoy and observe alongside children
• let children lead group activities
• show good behaviour and kindness with our own actions
• grow support around our community of parents.

Seeds Early Learning Centre is a place where children come to learn, grow and explore themselves. We encourage the enrichment of the whole child.

We believe in reinforcing a child’s thinking skills and preparing them for life’s challenges.

We are committed to providing an environment of learning that is stimulating, where the child can feel comfortable, thereby unleashing his or her full potential. We strive to nurture socially competent children who are able to embrace life independently, resourcefully and happily.

We view the child as a member of our family and recognize parents as a child’s first and most influential teacher.

Seeds ELC creates a strong bond between centre culture and the culture of the child. Here at Seeds we believe that this experience is an extension of the home and we will journey alongside whanau throughout the child’s years of 0-5.

To give children the opportunity to learn in a safe, caring, stimulating and creative environment To support the parents/whanau of the kindy children To extend each childs individual and holistic abilities through planned experiences and daily activities To give each child an enriched environment that acknowledges and incorporates the dual heritage of the Treaty of Waitangi To teach children in an environment where positive behaviour is paramount To ensure that each child and their family/whanau feel they have a safe and friendly place to come and participate or share.

OUR PHILOSOPHY Our children are of paramount importance. All children here at Redhills Kindergarten are treated with respect, equally and without prejudice. We as teachers are committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through our teaching practice, settings and beliefs. This sits alongside the early childhood curriculum, Te Wh?riki which guides us in our teaching. Every childs individual needs will be catered for giving them the opportunity to learn in a safe, caring, stimulating and creative environment. Everyone who comes into our kindergarten will be welcomed. 

PROGRAMMES 

We have a lot of exciting programmes to offer your child here at kindy. Our kindy children learn through exploration, fun, play and interactions with their peers. All children are given the opportunity to participate in all of our curriculum areas, these include music, science, books, literacy, dramatic play, physical activities, technology activities, and pre reading and writing. We have a separate room which is used for our transition to school children. The transition to school room encourages the children to become familiar with routines and structured learning by participating in activities as structured by the teachers. Children are encouraged to participate in group discussion, appropriate classroom behaviour such as turn taking and to develop listening skills while being respectful to others. Literacy skills are extended through the use of a fun initiative called ‘the homework bucket’. This is based around letterlinks. 

HEALTHY HEART AWARD

We are very proud to have achieved the highest award P?-Harakeke award – Flourishing. We have achieved this through implementing a healthy lunch box policy and a water only policy as well as developing edible gardens in our kindy and promoting healthy living through physical activity and healthy nutrition. We are pro-active in implementing these in our daily programme.

We look after children from 3 months to five years, from 7:30am-5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Feathers Early Learning Centre was purpose built in 2009 to provide early childhood education in Massey. Reflecting our community, we’re proudly multi-cultural.

Qualified and caring childcare staff

We have a very stable team, including educators and a dedicated cook. All of our permanent educators are NZ trained and qualified in Early Childhood Education.

In our Under two age group each child is given a primary caregiver who takes responsibility for the child’s settling in, care routines, portfolio and developmental updates.

Learning Environment

At Feathers Early Learning Centre We follow our children’s passions and urges, which is why we have invested in creative, well-resourced, aesthetic and stimulating indoor and outdoor spaces.

We are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach where the environment is considered as the third teacher.

The arrangement of our space is carefully thought out so that every part of our space tells its purpose. We have balanced out our environment to meet the individual needs of each child. There are places where our tamariki can work in small groups, large groups or individually. Our indoor environment is generally filled with indoor plants and is awash with natural light.

Recycled materials, art objects and treasures contribute to the programme provoking children’s imagination, creativity and wonders.