Childcare options in Waimauku

From the rolling paddocks to the beautiful Willow tree at the heart of the extensive outdoor area, our selection of well-loved farm animals, and a calming afternoon around the firepit - the learning experience is immediately enhanced for your child. Fresh air and a natural setting do wonders for the education and stimulation of children and provides endless opportunities and discovery. Space is not a problem at Kaha Kids, both our Nursery and Preschool have an abundance of space both inside and out, letting the children have room to make discoveries in their own time and at their own pace.

At Kaha Kids we provide a home away from home where children feel safe and secure in their environment. Our teachers develop strong trusting relationships with children to nurture their holistic wellbeing and build the foundations needed for lifelong learning

1. 100% Qualified teachers
2. Great Teacher : Child Ratio
3. Pathways to school Programme (Numeracy & Literacy)
4. Fresh healthy cooked meals
5. Spacious indoors, Great outdoors, farm animals, real grass in a rural setting
6. Home like environment

We would like to invite you to visit our centre at 42, Taha Road, Waimauku.

Haere Mai and welcome to Waimauku Kindergarten.

Waimauku Kindergarten is a welcoming place for all children and whānau.  A place where diversity is valued and respected.

Waimauku Kindergarten was proudly opened in July 2003 – located in the semi-rural suburb of Waimauku.  Our kindergarten was a dream of a dedicated group of women who volunteered their time for more than 4 years to raise the funds to support the establishment of Waimauku Kindergarten.

At Waimauku Kindergarten we believe in the importance of play – with a large natural outdoor environment with mature gardens. The children help to plant and harvest crops and we all enjoy sampling these.

Our purpose-built play space is set up so children are free to explore, create and learn alongside each other within a challenging, safe environment.

We have a strong emphasis on sustainability and this is evident in the way our kindergarten is resourced.

At Waimauku Kindergarten our programme and environment are set up to cater for all learning needs.  Where children are able to choose, explore, create and develop their own working theories, giving them agency over their own learning – encouraged and guided by a committed teaching team.

Our Purpose

To provide effective early childhood education services to ensure every child leaves kindergarten with the foundations of personal development and a love of life and learning

Your Child, Your Place

At our centres your child will learn:

• How to relate to other children and their teachers
• How to take responsibility, develop independence and self-confidence
• How to share and explore their understanding of people, places and things
• How to express ideas and acknowledge feelings
• Negotiating, turn taking, cooperation and conflict resolution
• Respect for other cultures, languages and traditions
• How to better interact with family and the wider community
• Hauora (the four dimensions of health), physical, mental, social and spiritual health
• Sustainability and the natural environment

Our History

Kaitiaki Kindergartens were originally known as the East Coast Bays Free Kindergarten Association. Torbay was the association’s first kindergarten which opened in 1954 and it is still a very active kindergarten to this day. As we grew we became known as the Northern Auckland Free Kindergarten Association. Today, we go by the name of ‘Kaitiaki Kindergartens’. Kaitiaki means, “a guardian or trustee, typically of an environmental area or resource.” This change reflects our responsibility to each and every child, community member and kindergarten in the Kaitiaki wider family.

We’re about:

• children, families and whanau
• quality early childhood education
• a qualified and registered workforce
• community
• not-for-profit
• home grown
• kiwi owned

Kindergarten is a partnership between:

Teachers

Qualified, registered teachers provide and deliver educational programmes under the guidance and support of the Professional Practice Leaders.

Our communities

Support teachers and the Association to help raise funds to ensure it has the resources required by the teachers and staff and to build community relationships.

Board of management

Elected by the community by members (parents/whanau) to govern the Association. The board sets policies and the strategic direction of the Association and appoints the General Manager to manage the Association on their behalf.

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Waimauku Playcentre

Playcentre is unlike any other early childhood education organisation. At Playcentre, both children and their parents / caregivers attend.

At Playcentre children get the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun and safe environment.

The curiosity and creativity of our tamariki is nurtured in a way that allows them to learn about themselves and their world.

Your child will be given a chance to explore, create, climb, read, sing, experiment, play music, wear costumes, have their face painted (or do it themselves!), garden, do carpentry with real tools, bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, dance, spend time in nature and get messy.

The activities change every day. Playcentre parents all bring different skills, interests, and cultural backgrounds to add to the rich learning environment.

We welcome families with children aged 0 – 6 years. Mixed age play allows your children to engage with others older and younger than themselves. Pre-schoolers learn how to communicate, share and negotiate with empathy for their younger peers.

At Playcentre, families come together and lifelong friendships are formed.

We welcome you to visit any time during the year. You are entitled to three free visits so come and check out what we do – we would love to meet you and your family!