Childcare options in Otara

Kia ora and welcome to KiNZ Otara

At KiNZ Otara full day child care and early childhood learning centre we promote positive attitudes to difference and diversity, and authentic relationships with our children, parents and whānau.

Our KiNZ Otara team focus on promoting and including Maori culture in an integral way, using reo, waiata, legends and customs to uphold Te Tiriti O Waitangi

Pasifika children and their families enrich our centre in numerous ways and we are dedicated to respecting and valuing the rich diversity of Pasifika cultures within our child care centre.

KiNZ Otara is a well-resourced dynamic early learning environment with plenty of space and a good flow of play between the indoor and outdoor environments.

Our KiNZ daycare centres have early childhood qualified and registered teachers.  The teachers are dedicated to, and passionate about, early childhood education.  Each KiNZ Childcare & Learning centre has a centre manager plus teachers and support staff.  Quality learning programmes are based on the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whãriki.

Creative Garden is a purpose-built childcare centre that dedicated to provide quality care and education to children aged 0-5 years. We aim to provide an environment where children, parents and their families feel like home and sense of belonging.

“We take pride in cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori as tangata whenua. We respect individual identity of each child and provide an inclusive curriculum, which encompasses gender and ethnicity, diversity of ability and learning needs, family structure and values, socio-economic status and religion.

“Among the greatest of all great services is the education of children”. Our teachers are committed towards quality education and care of children to establish strong and durable foundation to the life long journey of all children.

Our Approach

• Ko nga tamariki o enei ra hei rangatira mo apopo.
• (Children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.)

Our Mission

• He aroha whakato
• He aroha puta mai
• (If kindness is sown then kindness you shall receive)

Our Values

• Commitment towards quality education & care of children
• Integrity in all we do
• Respect for all stakeholders
• Open and honest communication
• Responsive towards families/whānau and community

Welcome to BestStart Johnstones Road Kindy, in the heart of Otara where our children, whanau and community are at the heart of everything we do! Our opening hours are from 7.30am to 4.30pm. We have six ECE Qualified teachers and two teachers in training that have had more than ten years knowledge and experience in early childhood education.​

We are a Reggio inspired centre and we share a diverse community. We believe that children thrive in environments that are suited to their interests, dispositions and developmental stages.  

Our environment is viewed as a place that is welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, culturally representative of community, embraces nature and filled with purposeful materials, that invite learning. Through this philosophy we aspire to empower and support children to become lifelong learners. To achieve this, we build strong partnership with parents, whanau and the community, providing a rich and inclusive environment that foster opportunities for children to grow their confidence, curiosity and perseverance.

Materials are thoughtfully added to the environment to promote creativity, thinking and problem-solving skills, questions, experimentation and open-ended play.  Valuing every child as an individual, promotes the child’s strengths, potential, and desire to discover his or her own world. 

As a team, our beliefs are impacted by our centre philosophy, which is built on a strong foundation of respect, empowerment, family and the relationships among children, families, teachers, and the wider society. Our centre promotes the role of the parents by having an open-door policy, which encourages all parents/whanau to be a part of their children’s and our learning.  The exchange of ideas between parents and teachers is vital in creating a more positive and productive learning environment, that supports us in better understanding the child. We work collaboratively with the local school, to ensure that they children are school ready.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

• We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
• 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
• We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
• Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
• Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
• We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
• We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
• We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

Kia ora and welcome to Bairds Kindergarten

Bairds Kindergarten is inclusive. The diverse cultures of our staff, children and their whãnau are valued.  We are passionate about helping children to realize their full potential.

We have a passionate and dedicated Parent Whānau Support Group who meet regularly and work cohesively in partnership with the staff to provide amazing family events and engaging opportunities for the kindergarten community. Families are encouraged to be actively involved in the life of the kindergarten parent meetings, workshops, storypark, portfolios, scrapbooks, team meetings, school visits, trips, special events ….

We believe that it takes a village to raise a child, which is why we find it important involve our families and community in our kindergarten environment.

With many current parents who attended the kindergarten when they were younger, their participation in their children’s education is important. This is why we have created whānau teams. Phoenix, Taniwhas and Sharks. These teams have really encouraged the families, children and teachers to work together.

Check out some of our posts and blogs. Pop in 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.

Kia ora and welcome to Flat Bush Kindergarten

Our kindergarten has a professional, qualified teaching team with a passion for providing early childhood education in Flat Bush. Teachers work alongside the children and develop their individual interests and strengths, providing quality learning and growth opportunities for our precious little ones.

Inclusivity is a focus here, and diversity of all kinds is celebrated and valued. We believe that each person is unique and that we can embrace those differences as a way to learn from each other and about ourselves. A creative and innovative curriculum is a key factor in the kindergarten experience.

You are welcome to come and visit, get to know us and see what makes us different to your typical daycare in Flat Bush. Whanau plays a very important role in the learning of our children, and we encourage family and community involvement in our programmes. We follow the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki. This is based around five principles of learning: wellbeing (mana atua) belonging (mana whenua), contribution (mana tangata), communication (mana reo) and exploration (mana aoturoa).

The centre in Flat Bush is a part of the wider Auckland Kindergarten Association, a longstanding organisation with a charitable purpose that has been in the business of educating young children for many years.

There are several key aspects of a kindergarten which differentiate it from other Flat Bush childcare options. We have a strong focus on learning, through a variety of different methods including targeted play. We are also community-based and encourage the families of our children to take an active role in their learning, with an aim to producing well-rounded kids who interact well with the wider world.

Strong links with local schools is another feature of the kindergarten experience, and our older kids are prepared for and guided through a smooth transition to school.

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.

Kia ora and welcome to Mayfield Kindergarten

What makes us unique at Mayfield Kindergarten? “He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” – “Tis people, tis people, tis people.”

Whanaungatanga…Relationships are paramount to each child’s learning journey. Respect is afforded by everyone to everyone – children and adults alike, ensuring each person’s mana is respected and nurtured. This is reflected in the ‘physical and emotional’ environments teachers provide, which is positive and supportive.

We have been in our community for 20 years and are situated in the Otara, East Tamaki area in close proximity to our local Te Kohanga Reo and Primary School.  In conjunction with the Primary school we have implemented a Transition Programme, which we encourage our whanau to participate in alongside the children and ourselves.

We invite you in, come and see, come and be, and share our space with us.

Nau mai, haere mai!

Here at Mayfield kindergarten we have a Head Teacher and 3 Teachers, all of whom are fully qualified and registered. We each bring a wealth of experience and knowledge with us. Our quality learning programme is based on the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whariki. As educators we provide opportunities which are positive, stimulating and challenging to children’s theories. Communication happens on many levels and in many forms, so we utilize as many as possible to ensure all whanau, children and other agencies are able to participate and contribute confidently within and beyond our community of learning. As practitioners we continually source and take part in Professional Development to ensure the quality of our practice continues to be supportive and responsive to the learning that is continually occurring.

We have an administrator who works alongside the teaching team. She has initial contact with our whanau, both established and new. Her role is invaluable and is a definite factor in the successful operation of our centre.

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.

Kia ora and welcome to Yendarra Kindergarten

Nau mai, Haere Mai.  Afio Mai, Susu mai , Maliu Mai. Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu. Welcome! We are proud of the strong sense of whanaungatanga offered at our kindergarten in Yendarra. Everyone belongs, and children (tamariki) and their families (whãnau) are valued.

Our diverse team of teachers embrace the rich multicultural nature of New Zealand and our local area, and we work alongside family and whanau to ensure we deliver top notch early childhood education in Yendarra. Our garden environment provides opportunities for tamariki to learn about the value of growing our own kai, from seed to table. This is a creative, sustainable process where children become competent gardeners and chefs – important life skills, and some of the many that are taught here.

We follow the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki. This is based around five principles of learning: wellbeing (mana atua) belonging (mana whenua), contribution (mana tangata), communication (mana reo) and exploration (mana aoturoa). We are proud of our latest Education Review Office Report which says our ‘learning programme has a special sense of wairua and respect for the mana of children and their whanau’. Our centre is more than just another Yendarra daycare facility, it’s a place to belong.

There are plenty of options for daycare in Yendarra, but a kindergarten which belongs to the Auckland Kindergarten Association offers something a little different. The charitable organisation has been integral in educating children for more than a century, and we are happy to be a part of that legacy.

A community and family focus is one special part of the kindergarten experience, as well as smooth transitions to school for our older tamariki. Along with providing top quality, innovative academic teaching, we help to grow well-rounded little ones who can confidently interact with the wider world.

Our team at Yendarra Kindergarten works closely together like a family. We are very passionate about our community. We have a lot of alofa and aroha (love) for our children and families.

We have one Samoan teacher who speaks fluent Samoan and a Cook Island teacher aide who speaks Cook Island Maori. Our head teacher is from the UK and of British/Jamaican descent, our third full time teacher is Maori and we all speak some Te Reo Maori.  We love working in partnership with our tamariki and whanau – our children and families – and learning is alway full of laughter and fun.

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.

Wymondley Early Learning Centre aims to provide a quality early childhood education and care service for children that will prepare them in their life-long journey as learners. We achieve this through a regular self-review of our program and operations and ensure that we maintain a program that meets the cultural, spiritual intellectual and social development of our tamariki; and the aspirations of their whanau. 

We recognise the holistic way in which children learn and grow within a safe, healthy and stimulating environment- who becomes the third teacher.

Our programme is designed around Te Whaariki and encourages child/parent participation and partnership. We also place a huge emphasis on our whanau (children, parents and staff) developing a strong sense of belonging and ensure that respectful relationships continue to thrive within our centre of learning.

Immanuel Preschool believes in offering a nurturing, safe, aesthetically pleasing and stimulating environment. Families, Whanau, Teachers and support staff form a strong community working together for the care and education. Our philosophical approach is very distinctive because it incorporates both free choice and structured planned activities to extend the children’s interests alongside Christian values and morals. Immanuel Preschool’s philosophy is encapsulated in our motto “Strong foundation Bright future”. We strongly believe in providing an enriching environment with great avenues for learning that would lay a strong foundation for a brighter future.

Immanuel Preschool management and staff strongly believe that every child has a right to high-quality care and education and so to make it possible we have chosen to provide the quality care and education by creating a great attractive environment and highly dedicated and qualified staff who are passionate about the childcare. It is our privilege for being entrusted with the care and education of your child. Immanuel Preschool believes that children are competent and the family, community and the wider society play a larger role in the lives of the children. A welcoming, comfortable environment, Christian based values, morals, a personalised learning journey books, trips, concerts, parent evenings, dedicated, focussed highly qualified staff make Immanuel Preschool unique.

Immanuel Preschool is privileged to provide an information booklet which covers some of the important aspects of our programme which could be of interests to parents and caregivers. It provides a practical information about the programme, staff who work with your children, philosophy and beliefs on which this institution is based on, the services available for the children, administrative matters including the fees and working hours and other practical issues like toilet training, healthy eating habits, sleeping plan and child to teacher ratio.

Once again thank you for allowing us to provide your child with quality education and care and we would like to welcome you into our closely knitted family centre. If there are any other matters which you require more information on or advice please feel free to see me or take time to talk to the team leader. Thank you for your support and contribution to Immanuel Preschool.

We offer the perfect environment for your child to thrive and learn. We provide a rich learning environment full of natural inspired resources that spark children’s imagination and creativity.

Your child will bring with them their own unique experiences and knowledge that we nurture and grow in a warm, friendly environment. Together with our friendly and professional team of educators, we are focused on fostering strong relationships.

A loving, caring, nurturing, home away from home centre, 14 years’ service to our community & long serving staff, experienced and qualified. Bi-culturally founded, multi-culturally present.

What makes us different?

Rongomai Sathya Sai Preschool is a South Auckland Early Childhood Centre that bases its learning around the philosophies of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, one of the world's most revered teachers.

At Rongomai Sathya Sai Preschool, we place five core values at the heart of everything we do:

• Truth
• Right Conduct
• Peace
• Love
• Non-violence

By fostering these values, we aim to give children the framework to make good choices and do the right thing in the different challenges they might face. We also take a practical approach to the way we teach. Rather than 'telling' children how to behave, we encourage them to take responsibility for their actions, so they can find their path and build strength of character along the way.

Enriching Otara Early Learning Centre is a privately owned service that provides education and care for children from birth to school age.

Akoteu Kato Kakala is a community based early childhood centre. The curriculum is underpinned by Tongan language and culture. Nearly all the children attending have Tongan heritage.

Fatamanu Aoga Niue Early Learning Centre is a Niuean bilingual centre situated in the grounds of Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in Otara.

THIS CENTRE IS CURRENTLY NOT TAKING ENROLMENTS AS THEY ARE FULL

Poetiare is a Bilingual(Cook Is/English) Centre who welcomes ALL CULTURES & provides quality learning for You & Your Tamariki from 2-4yrs in our Community.

Poetiare O Rongomai Preschool began in 13 September 1999 and is still going very strong. Poetiare is designed for the learning development of our tamaraki from the 2-5 years of age in the surrounding areas. This provider is a Community Bilingual based centre, providing Cook Island Te Reo & English language however we cater & welcome Tamariki & their families from ALL OTHER CULTURES. If you are see king a centre for your children we encourage you to team up with us to enhance their educational growth. We look forward to hearing from you very soon. Kia orana e kia manuia

Information for Parents, Family/Whanau

The subsequent information will help you understand our methodology and what you can expect. You are free to discuss any queries you may have with any of our teachers or administrative staff. We encourage you to visit, explore, and ask questions regarding any aspect of our service you need clarity on. You can also arrange for an appointment with our manager, if needed, to discuss things over.

Be rest assured that your child’s development and well-being is our main priority. Find out further how you can get acquainted with the administrative process at Blossoms Educare.

Complete involvement of family

We believe in an open door policy and involve parents and family members in everything we do. Ensuring participation of parents makes the child feel comfortable and has a strong positive impact on the child. Keeping this in mind, we warmly welcome parents to the centre anytime.

The teachers and staff at Blossoms sincerely take care of the child’s happiness and comfort. We regard a three-way relationship between parents, caregivers and the child as an indispensable part of the child’s well-being.

Keeping track of everything

We make sure that parents are well-informed at each step of the way. They are provided with everything they need including newsletters, invoices, receipts and copies of learning stories.

Events and Outings

We believe that interaction and communication is vital. Keeping this in focus, we organize cultural events to help Blossom Educare members interact with other families and children and also with the teachers and staff. We are always on the lookout for such events and they form an integral part of our calendar.

Training for new teachers and volunteers

Volunteers and new teachers are thoroughly screened before getting onboard with us. They are required to meet our standards and adhere to our philosophy. Volunteers interact with the children and keep them engaged. Students of early childhood teacher training courses are properly supervised at the centre.

Facilities for availing subsidy

Our ‘Work and Income’ department operates a subsidy for parents. The subsidy is subject to an income qualification. Further information and forms shall be provided by ‘Work and Income’. Also, Blossoms provides 20 hours subsidy for all children above the age of 3. Please refer to our fees schedule for further information.

Educare Programme

‘Educare’ is a compound word meaning education and care. Our centres deliver educare programmes centered around the child. These programmes involve observing the children on a regular basis, evaluating their needs and concerns and planning activities around them. These programmes help the child develop in their own individual pace.

These programmes are founded on the guiding principles of Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum policy of the Ministry of Education. We keep revising our developmental programmes to stay updated.

There are four broad principles at the centre of Te Whāriki – the early childhood curriculum.

• Empowerment - The early childhood curriculum empowers the child to learn and grow.
• Holistic Development - The early childhood curriculum reflects the holistic way children learn and grow.
• Family and Community - The wider world of family and community is an integral part of the early childhood curriculum.
• Relationships - Children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places, and things.

Tamariki Footsteps Christian Community Preschool based in Otara, South Auckland provides a rich and nurturing Pasifika environment where children and families are given opportunities to foster a friendship with Jesus through 

• Quality learning experiences, 
• Play exploration,
• Responsive and reciprocal relationships.  

Our preschool is unique because God’s love is our motivation. We want your child to experience the unconditional love of Jesus and believe that they are valuable. We value your family’s rich cultural heritage and look forward to building a strong connection. We consider it a privilege to share your child’s learning journey. 

Our Philosophy Statement

Like the Totara Trees that greet us as we enter Nga Taonga Aroha, we believe in developing a foundation and environment that has a great girth of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and turangawaewae; the durability and longevity of mind and body for both our tamariki, our whanau and ourselves as kaiako and as an extension of the Otara community.

By providing empowerment, protection and support for our tamariki and whanau; like the Totara, it grows slowly but as it matures it develops confidence, strength and determination to cope and weather storms and situations; thus gaining inclusiveness, toleration and durability.

We value and acknowledge the essence of whanau; and like the Totara in its flexibility and reliability for resources, we aim to utilise and shape ourselves to be approachable and accommodate to the needs of our whanau and to participate in growing and developing our Otara community.

We recognise that we are a part of a multicultural community which we embrace and are honored to participate in; upholding the values of our individual cultures represented within our centre. Foremost we acknowledge Maori as tangata whenua and the original guardians of this land. With this acknowledgement, we are privileged to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi being participation, protection and partnership. We take strong guidance from this to inform our dedication to sustainability and lead our way through Te Whariki (2017) our early childhood curriculum document.

Our indicators to achieving these is:

• Being welcoming, approachable, secure and nurturing, professional and supportive
• Kaiako to utilise tamariki strengths, interests and ideas to plan and set challenges that promote and develop a love of learning and wonder; exploration, curiosity and a deeper understanding of their theories
• Kaiako is present and available; approachable and engaging, attuned and ready to facilitate and support
• Following the concept of a tuakana–teina relationship where teaching and learning is reciprocal in all facets of the centre
• Talking and listening to our parents and whānau aspirations, views and opinions through conversations, discussions, interviews and surveys
• Te Whāriki the NZ ECE Curriculum is used as resource to guide our programme planning and curriculum
• Encouraging sustainable environment practises and processes for our future generation (cloth nappies, garden to table concept, storm water solution, making our own compost, recycling)South Auckland early education scheme heads nationwide

Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Otinga ki Tāmaki is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Otara and provides for up to 35 tamariki. Book a visit today to connect with our kōhanga reo and to learn more about the options for your whanau.  

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

• total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
• whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
• accountability
• health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

• security in te reo Māori
• a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
• whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
• greater respect and appreciation of each other.

The centre is available for children of students, lecturers and support staff at MIT, as well as children from the community. We provide healthy and nutritious meals, including lunch, morning and afternoon tea and are open during standard work hours.

We encourage our children to be confident and capable learners and have plenty of outdoor space where children can explore, play and discover nature. Learning is based on the national curriculum and complemented with aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach.

To support children's transition to school, the centre enjoys a partnership with a local school. Children who are nearly five years old spend a morning each week in the new entrant classroom.

We are excited to share with you the Beacon 2020 Goals of the New Zealand Catholic Schools. Together, we work in partnership to achieve the below goals that have been set by the New Zealand Council of Proprietors of Catholic State - Integrated Schools and the board of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office 

• Quality, effective leadership of schools. 

• Equity, quality and excellence in educational outcomes for each student. 

• A Catholic population that is knowledgeable about its faith and supportive of its schools. 

• Well qualified teachers in Catholic schools, especially in the areas of Religious Education and the special character dimension of the school. 

• Strong partnership between parishes and schools to support the revitalisation of the Church’s mission in the world. 

• Practical commitment to achieving positive bicultural relationships with Māori and developing a resilient multicultural society. 

• Dynamic graduates from our schools who are committed to promoting the Good News in its various dimensions, with emphasis on evangelisation, service, community and social justice.

• A national system of schools that is proactive, and that positively interacts with Government, its agencies, and with wider national networks. 

• Commitment to the long-term progress and development of the economically and socially disadvantaged. 

• Commitment to our ecological vocation to care for the earth for the good of all.