Childcare options in Opawa

Located on the outskirts of Hansen's Park, within the Opawa St Martins community at the foot of the Port Hills, the kindergarten is renowned for its exceptional care and education. Families have entrusted their children to this kindergarten for generations, drawn back by the joyous and enriching experiences it offers. The kindergarten boasts a remarkable setting with expansive, landscaped grounds that overlook the Port Hills, establishing a deep connection to the natural environment. Amongst the native trees and gardens, tamariki engage in stimulating and physically active play, embracing creative and sensory experiences. Inside, the learning environment is open and inspiring, fostering collaboration among children aged 2 to 5 years. The kindergarten encourages exploration, curiosity, and creativity through play, providing numerous opportunities for children to try new things. With a focus on fostering independence and a sense of belonging, the atmosphere at the kindergarten is filled with joy and fun.

Some call it a kindergarten, preschool or day care, but we like Early Learning Centre because our focus is always on development and play.  

Located in Opawa, opposite St. Mark’s School, the design and layout of our building, and how it’s resourced is centred around providing our children with the maximum potential to learn, play, socialise and grow.  

Outdoors, there is a really fun area with an emphasis on natural play. There are places to climb, slide, and jump, as well as sensory experiences like a sandpit, water-play, and plant beds.   

Our aim is to run our business with sustainability at the forefront. One way we are doing this is by striving to be virtually paper free; the majority of our admin being done via digital technology. 

Our kitchen is modern, providing healthy, nutritious meals. The fuel that young brains and bodies need to get the most out of every day.

Montessori Education is a holistic approach that encourages and supports children to develop physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.

Children work individually at their own pace with specially-selected equipment and materials. This self-guided structured learning grows children’s ability to ‘learn how to learn’ as they become adaptive, creative and resilient, able to live confidently in an ever changing world.

They are free to work at their own level in any of the six areas:

• Practical Life
• Sensorial
• Mathematics
• Language
• Environmental
• Art

Our programme also includes Drama, Music and Movement, and many outings within the community. In addition, an indoor to outdoor environments ensure plenty of opportunity for physical development and play.

Nursery

Confidence and independence are actively promoted in the nursery. Toddlers and infants are empowered to discover their own limits by allowing them time and space to learn and develop at their own pace.

As well as developing practical life skills, our routines allow continuity between home and preschool. Within our predictable and dependable environment toddlers and infants foster healthy relationships with parents, whanau and the community.

Preschool

The main focus in the preschool is to encourage your child’s natural curiosity and to help them to ‘learn how to learn’.

The children work at their own level on activities that build personal, social, mental and physical skills.

Children are participating and benefitting from a rich array of relationships and experiences in our environment.

The Pod

The Pod is designed to prepare 3 1/2 to 5 year olds for their transition to school or Kura.

The programme includes extending children pre-writing, pre-reading, pre-maths, computer, independence and social skills.

This environment provides a solid foundation so that your child can go to school as confident capable learners.