Childcare options in South Dunedin

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.

Get the Little Citizens’ difference for your children!

Little Citizens gives your child a head start for life! We provide high quality early childhood education for preschool children in Dunedin.

If you’ve been thinking about options such as an early childhood centre or a kindergarten for your child, talk to us about how our child-centred programmes can ensure your child has the skills and knowledge they need to thrive at school and beyond.

• Quality early childhood education – including developmental milestones to make sure all children receive the individual support and encouragement needed to succeed.
• Physical development – preschool kids need room to play … lots of room! We have large play areas, with enough space to ride, climb, splash, swing and slide. Plus, our large indoor areas that are warm, dry and comfortable all year round.
• Nourishing meals – delicious morning and afternoon teas, lunch and dinner meals are included at no extra cost.  We have been awarded the Heart Foundation Tick and Dunedin City Council “A” food safety grade.
• Convenience –  easy drop-off, handy location in South Dunedin.  We have flexible enrolment with no minimum hours and total support from friendly, dedicated staff. 
• Support – our Client Support Worker provides free support and advocacy to parents and caregivers including behaviour management strategies, help with Work and Income liaison and budget advice.

Welcome to St Clair Corner Early Learning Centre!

Situated in a lovely renovated bungalow, our Infants & Toddlers Centre offers small-group experiences for babies and young children, which cater for their individual needs. We offer a home-like atmosphere where our qualified teaching staff provide stimulating interaction and learning experiences. We value our natural environment, and our lovely outdoor space encourages children to appreciate nature and the outdoors too.

If you're seeking safe, nurturing nursery care you can trust in Dunedin, look no further than St Clair Corner.

St Clair Early Learning Centre's philosophy focuses on the importance of families. Many special features contribute to the welcoming, inclusive culture of our Centre, and your children/tamariki are guaranteed quality early childhood care and education in a safe, secure environment.