Reid Park kindergarten is nestled in the sunny west side of Mosgiel, located within a growing residential area. There is a wide range of socio-economic structures within the families living in this area. We have children from various parts of Mosgiel who attend and many rural families.

The partnership between teachers and family/caregivers and the community underpins the entire programme.

Our History

Reid Park Kindergarten was opened in 1967 in Murray Street, Mosgiel

About us

Tiny Nation is home-based care and education with a difference.

We believe that children have the best chance to flourish when they have secure attachments and a strong sense of belonging in their early years. This foundation is key to emotional, physical and mental growth and wellbeing. From this nourished beginning, happy, healthy and well-adjusted young adults can grow.

Enquire today

We would love to match you with the ideal educator in your area so send us an enquiry here and we’ll be in touch to provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for your family.

How we look after our families

• High quality education and care using only trained educators and qualified teachers

Because we believe in quality, not quantity, we only work with trained educators and qualified teachers, who by completing their training have proven their commitment to nurturing and caring for children. We find the best trained teachers and educators and support them to deliver their own unique early learning programmes in their own homes. We hand-pick them for their passion, commitment, experience and qualifications. We know that qualifications are an indicator of quality when it comes to early childhood education and we’re proud to represent 100% qualified educators and teachers.

• Family and educator self-matches

When you enquire with us as a family, we support you to self-match with a Tiny Nation educator of your choice. The choice factor is huge here – you get to choose the person you leave your child with when you can’t be there. You will choose your educator based on the needs of your family and child, your values, your own early learning philosophy and, most importantly, your connection with them. This allows you to find the perfect educator for your family – someone who will become a part of your support village and who will advocate fiercely for your child when you can’t. Isn’t this what we all want as parents?

• Small ratios of no more than four children to one educator

By choosing home-based early learning, you are choosing small groups and responsive relationships. Tiny Nation educators have no more than four pre-school children in their care at any given time, with no more than two under the age of two. This allows them to engage with their care children in meaningful ways, dedicating time to support their development and getting to know them deeply. Having small ratios of children per educator enables respectful interactions and authentic connections. Your child is not just a number at Tiny Nation.

• Nurturing, natural and familiar home environments

Home environments stir up comforting memories for all of us. We make personal connections with this kind of environment because it represents our childhood. It provides a strong sense of security and safety as we are able to seek comfort through the familiar. Early childhood education in home environments provide a calm and settled foundation for learning to occur. Children have the space to explore the community around them in real and authentic ways.

Our vision

To empower a nation of children to reach their full potential

Our guiding principles

Leadership / Ārahitanga

We encourage, empower and inspire our educators and teachers to contribute to our thinking and re-define what leadership looks like in early childhood education.

Relationship / Whanaungatanga

We are founded on consistent, familiar and nurturing relationships. It’s vital to take the time to understand, relate to and acknowledge each other as relationships are the soil from which everything else grows.

Partnership / Whakahoahoatanga

We are collaborative and work in partnership with parents and whānau, educators, the community and other like-minded services so that they can participate in and contribute to our journey.

These are our values

Authenticity / Mana Pono

This means being real and accountable. We partner with people who are aligned with our principles, values and beliefs so that we can all show up for our children in meaningful ways.

Belonging / Nō Konei Hoki

We affirm the identity, culture and language of our community and ensure staff, children, families and whānau know they have a place with us. Our environments and programmes are inclusive and our transitions are thoughtfully planned.

Communication / Kōrero

Reciprocal and responsive communication allows us to express ideas and feelings. We’re as passionate about listening as we are about being heard. We model effective communication so that our children become capable and confident communicators.

Our commitment to families

“Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti aroha o tatou mahi.

Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work.”

When you enrol as a family with Tiny Nation, we make a commitment to you as we journey together to provide your child with the love and care that they need to grow and flourish. For us, early childhood starts with care and ends with education. We know that no significant learning can occur without there first being a significant relationship. Your chosen educator becomes your child’s special person – their ‘go to’ in times of triumph and trouble. Someone who loves them just like you do and an extension of your family.

Wild Things offer the highest quality home-based early childhood service - where children can be children, and nothing is more important than that.

Where children and their families are our whānau

Our service caters to families with a diversity of needs, acknowledging parent/whānau needs and aspirations for their children. Parents and whānau are made to feel welcome, and we are available to discuss formally or informally their child’s progress. Wild Things support partnerships with families/whānau and educators / Kaiako to create the best learning outcomes for your children. With over 15 years’ experience in the early childhood education field, Wild Things are committed to offering professional, quality early childhood education. The Wild Things team supports an ever increasing number of families throughout the Lower South Island who wish to engage the services of a home-based educator / Kaiako.

Our Educators / Kaiako

Our educators / Kaiako are trained to provide the highest quality home-based early childhood care and education for your children. So if your family is looking for a dedicated educator / Kaiako for your children Wild Things are here to help.

A safe & nurturing environment

Research has proven that the first three years of a child’s life is when most brain development occurs - and that development is directly linked to the baby’s environment. This is why we believe it is important that a child’s environment is safe and nurturing where the child forms secure attachments due to primary care and small group size.

Where children can reach their full potential

Wild Things is a professional service that provides families with the highest quality early childhood education and care. We want you to feel confident knowing Wild Things only recruit the very best educators / Kaiako to nurture your children to reach their full potential. We will work with you to choose an educator / Kaiako who will most benefit your child’s needs, your circumstances, and your family values, and we are always available for you to call should you have any concerns - we believe open communication is essential.

Home-based educators / Kaiako are first choice for kiwi families

Home-based educators / Kaiako are now the most popular choice for parents seeking quality child focused early childhood education. The home-based educator / Kaiako works in her own home, and provides a quality educational programme for up to 4 pre-school children. She is supported by her visiting teacher to provide opportunities for children to participate in experiences that suit their individual interests within the day to day happenings of a home setting. Home-based educators / Kaiako choose the days and times they work, and can offer flexibility in hours.

In order to choose an educator / Kaiako for your child, the visiting teacher will discuss with you and match your family requirements with a pre-selected and screened educator / Kaiako. Emphasis is placed on matching your specific needs with the appropriate educator / Kaiako.

Our home-based educators / Kaiako hold or are working towards the Open Polytechnic level four Certificate in Early Childhood Practice and hold a current First Aid certificate.

Advantages of being with a Home-based Educator / Kaiako:

• In the educators’ / Kaiako home
• Small group interaction
• Thorough screening of educators / Kaiako
• Matched to family expectations
• Consistent group dynamic
• Convenience
• Flexible hours
• Consistent adult relationships
• Local knowledge and involvement
• Visiting Teacher guidance and support
• Outings and excursions
• Playgroups, music groups, gym groups,
• Wild Things Readiness for School programme
• Individual child led learning programme

Wild Things offer the highest quality home-based early childhood service - where children can be children, and nothing is more important than that.

Where children and their families are our whānau

Our service caters to families with a diversity of needs, acknowledging parent/whānau needs and aspirations for their children. Parents and whānau are made to feel welcome, and we are available to discuss formally or informally their child’s progress. Wild Things support partnerships with families/whānau and educators / Kaiako to create the best learning outcomes for your children. With over 15 years’ experience in the early childhood education field, Wild Things are committed to offering professional, quality early childhood education. The Wild Things team supports an ever increasing number of families throughout the Lower South Island who wish to engage the services of a home-based educator / Kaiako.

Our Educators / Kaiako

Our educators / Kaiako are trained to provide the highest quality home-based early childhood care and education for your children. So if your family is looking for a dedicated educator / Kaiako for your children Wild Things are here to help.

A safe & nurturing environment

Research has proven that the first three years of a child’s life is when most brain development occurs - and that development is directly linked to the baby’s environment. This is why we believe it is important that a child’s environment is safe and nurturing where the child forms secure attachments due to primary care and small group size.

Where children can reach their full potential

Wild Things is a professional service that provides families with the highest quality early childhood education and care. We want you to feel confident knowing Wild Things only recruit the very best educators / Kaiako to nurture your children to reach their full potential. We will work with you to choose an educator / Kaiako who will most benefit your child’s needs, your circumstances, and your family values, and we are always available for you to call should you have any concerns - we believe open communication is essential.

Home-based educators / Kaiako are first choice for kiwi families

Home-based educators / Kaiako are now the most popular choice for parents seeking quality child focused early childhood education. The home-based educator / Kaiako works in her own home, and provides a quality educational programme for up to 4 pre-school children. She is supported by her visiting teacher to provide opportunities for children to participate in experiences that suit their individual interests within the day to day happenings of a home setting. Home-based educators / Kaiako choose the days and times they work, and can offer flexibility in hours.

In order to choose an educator / Kaiako for your child, the visiting teacher will discuss with you and match your family requirements with a pre-selected and screened educator / Kaiako. Emphasis is placed on matching your specific needs with the appropriate educator / Kaiako.

Our home-based educators / Kaiako hold or are working towards the Open Polytechnic level four Certificate in Early Childhood Practice and hold a current First Aid certificate.

Advantages of being with a Home-based Educator / Kaiako:

• In the educators’ / Kaiako home
• Small group interaction
• Thorough screening of educators / Kaiako
• Matched to family expectations
• Consistent group dynamic
• Convenience
• Flexible hours
• Consistent adult relationships
• Local knowledge and involvement
• Visiting Teacher guidance and support
• Outings and excursions
• Playgroups, music groups, gym groups,
• Wild Things Readiness for School programme
• Individual child led learning programme

Wee Nippers provides a safe and healthy environment for children to grow and learn emotionally, cognitively and physically. Our comprehensive, balanced, flexible programme reflects the children’s interests in ways that are developmentally appropriate. Our Centres are new and purpose built inside and out.

Every child is different and we respect their individual needs while working to create a Wee Nippers community. We aim to foster high self-esteem and respect for others while recognising every child’s strengths.

We provide children with a warm, supportive relationship with adults and recognise the importance of building nurturing relationships amongst staff, children and their family/whānau.

First and foremost, our professional educators are positive role models for Wee Nippers children. Ongoing professional support and development is provided to staff to ensure the continuation of high standards of care and education for your children.

Wee Nippers Early Childhood Centre - for curious, adventurous, energetic kids and their busy families to call their home away from home.

We are not for profit, community based Preschool. We are licensed for 30 children aged between 2 & 6 years old and employ 3 trained and fully registered teachers.

Our open plan environment is fun, stimulating, well resourced and spacious. This allows children to explore, be creative and learn through play. Activities and resources that strongly promote numeracy and literacy are seamlessly included in the everyday curriculum.

Our environment is safe and nurturing, it also encourages risk taking, promotes self-esteem, values diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.

Our teaching team strongly believe in open, honest, respectful communication with parents, whanau, children and the wider community.

Arthur Burns Preschool has a dedicated teaching team of fully qualified, registered teachers.

Arthur Burns Te Kaupapa

Here at Arthur Burns our approach to education for our young tamariki is founded on the principles, strands and goals of our bi cultural curriculum Te Whāriki.

We value and build on the knowledge and experiences that children and their whānau bring with them from home and the wider community.

We strongly believe that parent—teacher collaboration is key to a successful educational experience.  We provide an open door policy where parents and whānau are encouraged and welcomed to spend time at Preschool and be involved in their child's learning aspirations and share their knowledge.

We value manākitanga where teachers embrace and respect the protection of Te Ao Māori, ensuring the participation of Māori learners and working in partnership with Māori whānau.

Our daily program embraces all cultures within Aotearoa and these are respected and naturally woven through routines, languages, music, art and stories.

As a Preschool we advocate the importance of achieving smooth transitions where children gain a sense of belonging while being supported, comforted and guided by teachers, parents and whānau.

All children are given the opportunities to develop skills and attributes within their learning environment that nurtures their emotional, social, cognitive and physical abilities that promotes a love of learning.

Kaiako recognise the value of ako, spontaneous play and self initiated learning opportunities that enable the children time and space to discover, explore and experiment.

We strive to provide an environment that encourages children to become confident communicators and independent learners who make their own decisions to develop their sense of responsibility and contribution.

“Whangaia ka tupu ka puawai”

That which is nurtured grows and blossoms.

As a not-for-profit centre all funds generated are put directly back into the centre to ensure a high quality leaning and teaching enviroment for for our Green Street tamariki and whanau. 

Mission:

Community, Learning, Whāna

Philosophy:

We believe that quality relationships are the key to everything! That we are family focused, and a community of learners.

We believe in providing high quality learning environments that allow children to explore, discover, be courageous and adventurous.

We view children as taonga- treasures of the past, present, and future.

We believe in embracing and fostering ako, that collaborative relationships are essential, and built on the concept of whanaungatanga and turangawaewae.

Priorities for learning:

Our priorities for children’s learning are what we value as the foundations for lifelong learners. These are enhanced through quality teaching intentions and are relative to each child and their environment.

Teachers at Green Street are focused on supporting and creating opportunities for children to become:

Risk takers

Creating resilience through experimentation, exploration, adaptability and perseverance

Emotionally intelligent

The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships

Culturally intelligent

The capability to develop an awareness of self in relation to others, who I am with a sense of turangawaewae

Socially competent

Learning how to engage positively with others fostering manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, and whanaungatanga.

Self-directed learners – Rangatiratanga

Confidence to take ownerships of their ongoing learning.

Curious, creative, and imaginative

Have a sense of wonder, discovery through inquisitive exploration and experimentation

Enriched in numeracy, science and literacy

Exploring science, mathematical and literacy concepts in meaningful ways

Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to Mosgiel 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!

Welcome to East Taieri Preschool 

Set in sunny Mosgiel overlooked by Saddle Hill is East Taieri Preschool. A spacious, bright and inviting centre that is community and child focused.  

The team of qualified and experienced teachers are passionate about children's learning and development and enjoy working with families to create the best educational opportunities for children during their time at Preschool.  

Centre environment

• Children enjoy learning and are aware they are learning
• This is a kind, caring respectful environment
• It is aesthetically pleasing and appealing to adults and children alike
• Physical safety is a key consideration when setting up the environment
• There is a wide variety of experiences and resources offered
• The principle of Kotahitanga – working together/collectivism – is encouraged
• Friendliness, fun, laughter and joy abound
• Learners feel comfortable working as part of a group or independently
• There is a feeling of peace and calm
• The environment enables participants to gain a feeling of Ūkaipōtanga – a feeling of belonging and the ability to contribute. The environment sees and accepts the ‘whole person’
• Our environment visibly reflects that this is a Preschool in Aotearoa New Zealand through the use of symbols, landscapes and stories