Childcare options in Port Chalmers

We cater for the wider West Harbour area including Port Chalmers, Sawyers Bay, Roseneath, Purakaunui, St Leonards, Ravensbourne and surrounding areas.
We are proud of our supportive environment and community and enjoy and foster a friendly whānau atmosphere. We believe in the value of learning in the great outdoors and with nature and run a programme called ‘eco-warriors’ where every child has a turn to visit the Orokonui Ecosantuary to experience ‘hands on’ learning every fortnight in this place for a term.
This is a kindergarten where our tamariki experience a nurturing learning environment where their individual passions and learning needs are welcomed and fostered.

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. They are supported by their 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 Level 4 NZ 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

Pioneers Koputai welcomes and celebrates children from birth to five years and offers an exciting and rich learning environment.  Our centre is in the small community of Port Chalmers and offers places for 30 children who are taught by six highly qualified teachers.

We are passionate about providing experiences that challenge children. At Pioneers Koputai we value each child as unique and individual and celebrate their strengths.  Our teachers ensure that every child is understood, loved and planned for according to their interests, strengths, needs and family aspirations.

Our ‘key teacher’ approach encourages children to form close relationships with their teachers and peers. Tamariki thrive within this nurturing learning environment knowing that they are genuinely cared for, valued and treated with respect at Koputai.

We facilitate inquiry based learning in an environment where the strengths and interests of children are fostered. The Kowhai club for four year old children provides interesting and challenging experiences that cultivates skills and competence and supports children to enjoy a smooth, positive transition to school.

At Koputai we take a serious approach to sustainability and encouraging children to connect with the natural environment.

The close connections we foster with children, families and the community are part of what make Koputai special. We look forward to welcoming you to our centre soon.