Childcare options in Rotorua

Rotorua has a few daycare, childcare and early childhood education options. Book a visit or enquire at any one of them with Kindello. We're here to help you find the perfect fit for you and your child.

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Top-rated childcare in Rotorua

Parents agree these childcare options are highly rated for location, staff, and more.

A picture of Lake Ōkāreka Preschool

Rotorua - Rotorua

Lake Ōkāreka Preschool

Children are welcomed into our tranquil lakeside preschool and flourish into considerate and capable life-long-learners ready for the transition to primary school. 

We believe the experience we offer is truly unique. With our own vegetable patch, orchard, sensory garden and worm farm we embrace the outdoors everyday. 

Our Monday to Friday sessions provide the perfect combination of routine and predictability along with plenty of time and space to explore their own ideas and make break-through discoveries. With no more than 20 children on any given day, our three fully qualified and registered teachers have time to get to know each and every one of them and what makes them tick.

Licensed for

25 children

A picture of BestStart Fairy Springs

Rotorua - Rotorua

BestStart Fairy Springs

BestStart Fairy Springs is a wonderfully unique early learning centre located close to the central city. We're open all year round from 7.30am to 5.30pm and care for children aged 0 to 5 years old with a range of half and full day childcare options to suit our families needs.

There's no stopping us!

Together with our whanau, we support our children to be the best they can be, to believe in themselves and their capabilities.

BestStart Fairy Springs is a mixed age centre, with our babies and older children learning alongside each other. Learning this way means our children develop empathy and kindness, encouraging each other through tuakana-teina relationships, celebrating achievements and supporting each other to do their best.

We're independent! We foster children's independence to grow and succeed, from feeding themselves, getting themselves dressed, looking after their belongings, and even independently playing with their peers. Giving children the opportunity to develop their independence boosts their confidence and self-esteem and encourages perseverance which helps them as they face challenges.  

An environment like no other! We believe that the environment children spend time in is an important teacher. By utilising our knowledge of each child and family, we set up the learning environment based on the children's interests where they are free to explore and are supported by our teachers to extend their own learning. We have a unique, huge indoor playground complete with sandpit where children can run, climb, and build sandcastles even when it's raining. 

A supportive family! Our teachers spend quality time families to ensure everyone has a smooth transition into centre life. We have open communication with our families and welcome them to spend time with us whenever they like. We share what's been happening in the centre via our online portfolio Storypark and enjoy getting together and celebrating special events and occasions. We also provide healthy, delicious and nutritious meals, in line with Healthy Heart guidelines - no packing a lunchbox required! 

Our infants - We have a dedicated baby teacher who provides our babies with the very best nurturing care. Our baby teacher also takes care of key moments, such as feeding, nappy changes, and sleeping. We have a warm and safe play space designed especially for our youngest babies to support, nurture, and engage them as they grow. Our babies are provided with natural heuristic resources which allows them to develop their skills at their own time.

Our toddlers - Our toddlers are supported to be independent by developing their self-help skills, such as dishing out their own kai and dressing themselves, in calm and familiar routine.

Our preschoolers - Our preschool aged children enjoy lots of creative open-ended resources - boxes, paper towel rolls, and bottle tops - giving them the opportunity to explore, imagine and work together, developing their listening and problem-solving skills as well as the art of negotiation. We ensure our children are ready for school when the time come to embark on their next learning journey - they'll have a sense of independence and personal responsibility for their belongings. They'll have a curiosity for knowledge and the confidence to ask questions and lead their own learning. There'll be no stopping them!

We welcome you to come in, talk to the teaching team and see the amazing learning that happens at our centre.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

  • We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
  • 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
  • We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
  • Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
  • Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
  • We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
  • We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
  • We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

Licensed for

50 children

A picture of BestStart Pukuatua

Rotorua - Rotorua

BestStart Pukuatua

BestStart Pukuatua is convienently located close to Rotorua's CBD. We're open right through the year, only closing for public holidays and care for children aged 3 months to 6 years old, supporting them to gain the skills to be successful, confident life-long learners.

Leaders of our own learning

Kaitaki akoranga

At BestStart Pukuatua, our vision is about fostering self-belief and developing a sense of empowerment in every child.

We empower our tamariki to design their own learning with teacher and whanau support. Children make their own decisions, learning in their own style and at their own pace. They connect with the people, places and things around them, developing an understanding and respect for the diverse cultures we support here at BestStart Pukuatua.

Tikitapu Room

In our infant and toddler room for children under 2 years old you will find our youngest tamariki engaged in a variety of learning experiences. Music and movement, messy play, exploring our indoor and outdoor environment help children develop new skills and the confidence to explore the world around them, nurtured and supported by our kaiako.

Okareka Room

In our 2 to 3 year old space our tamariki are developing their self-help skills by learning to serve their own kai. Their social skills are growing as they build positive friendships through play, creating their own style of learning with a variety of experiences. Kaiako observe and support this learning, using the natural rhythms and routines of the day.

Rotoiti Room

In our 3 to 4 year old space, our tamariki are really driving their learning. They learn through trial and error, creating masterpieces, becoming more independent through play, self-help skills, and leading their own learning at their own pace.

Tarewera Room

In our 4 year old space becoming a leader is established and fostered through group learning, independent learning, and developing essential skills for school and for life long leading.

Who is BestStart?

BestStart is for families who want more from early-childhood education. Safe, nurturing and educationally focused, we’re committed to growing caring people with curious minds.

Together we teach, learn and nurture.

Our vision is to work in partnership with families, whanau and communities to enable children to achieve their learning potential.

Ko tō mātou tirohanga hei mahi ngātahi i te taha o ngā whānau me ngā hāpori, kia āwhinatia ngā tamariki, kia tū pito mata ai rāatou, hei rangatira mō āpōpō.

We are committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early-childhood education. We do this by enhancing our services, investing in our people, developing our support structure and continuously improving the educational outcomes and experiences of our children, families and the communities we serve.

Some facts:

  • We’re licensed to educate and care for 15,000 full-time children daily.
  • 18,000 families use BestStart services annually.
  • We have over 270 centres nationwide located from Whangarei to Invercargill.
  • Each centre is managed by a Centre Manager who is supported by a local Area Manager. This gives our centre teams ongoing quality training and support.
  • Te Whāriki, the world-wide acclaimed national early childhood education curriculum, is used in all centres.
  • We have over 4500 permanent teachers nationally. Over 90% of our permanent teaching staff are either fully qualified with a diploma or bachelor of teaching (ECE) or higher, or are in training. These figures are very high by national standards within the ECE sector.
  • We provide a two-year Advice and Guidance Programme for all recently certified teachers, providing further mentoring and training. This gives strong support for teachers from provisional registration to full teacher registration with the NZ Teachers Council.
  • We regularly spend around $4 million on teacher training per annum.

We’re for children

At our heart is our commitment and passion for children. Central to this belief is our focus on the holistic development of children. We support children to explore the world around them, learning through relationships, creating a love of learning in an ever-changing world. Exploration, friendship and fun are part of the journey.

We’re for good

BestStart is a registered charity owned by the Wright Family Foundation. We support initiatives and programmes within BestStart and the wider early-childhood education sector (ECE) that support good outcomes for all children. We do this because we want to make a positive difference to the lives of all children.

Innovation leads us

At BestStart, innovation guides our thinking. We advocate positive change for learners through our research and practice. We’re proud to be thought leaders within ECE, openly challenging ourselves to think differently to provide the best for our children, families and staff.

We’re responsive

Our centres reflect their children, staff and communities. We celebrate individuality, uniqueness and diversity, encouraging a spirit of empathy, understanding and collaboration. Through our responsive relationships and our curriculum, we support learners to choose their own path.

Our people matter

At BestStart people come first. When we grow and develop our people, everyone benefits. We strive for whakamana/empowerment, nurturing a culture of excellence with engaged, talented professionals. Their commitment, skill and passion light our way.

Licensed for

112 children

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Other great childcare options in Rotorua

A picture of Little Troopers Early Learning Centre

5.00 (1)

Rotorua - Rotorua

Little Troopers Early Learning Centre

A childcare centre in Rotorua

Licensed for

40 children

A picture of Te Pākārito

Rotorua - Rotorua

Te Pākārito

Te Pākārito (The name of our early learning centre) derives from a well-known whakatauāki used by the famous Te Arawa-Ngāti Whakaue tupuna, Tunohopu:

“Hai aha noa ahau te mate ai, ko taku Pākārito ka tupu”

“It matters not if I die, for I live on in my descendants”

The name ‘Te Pākārito’ is appropriate for this setting providing a means of bringing the above whakatauāki to life as the proposed ECE service will not only be established for the descendants of Te Arawa/ Ngati Whakaue and Tunohopu, but for all tamariki who enter the centre

The translation for ‘Pākārito’ refers to a mass growth of harakeke. A Pākārito is a self-sustaining ecological system which relies on all elements of nature to co-exist. From the sun, rain, soil, root structures, to the insects that take refuge within the Pākārito, all have an integral role in ensuring the sustenance, the advancement, and the preservation of the whole. Our learning centre will implement this model to foster and nurture our tamariki, and to their extended whānau, to becoming independent, successful life-long learners.

Licensed for

32 children

A picture of Playtopia Educare

Rotorua - Rotorua

Playtopia Educare

Playtopia Educare is licensed by the Mininstry of education for 54 children between the ages of 2 – 5 years old, this means your child will never be cramped for space and can burn of all their energy here even when it’s raining.

We provide more than five times the required indoor space per child. We have a lovely outdoor area for the little ones of 260 square meters, more than double the minimum required space. This includes a sandpit, water play, ball play, a bike area, a barked area with climbing equipment. Indoors we have specialty stations, 100 square meters is covered with soft matting for balance and play.

We believe having both offerings (OSCAR and ECE) will make it easier for parents who have children in both age groups and being able to drop off and pick up at one location. It also makes it easier for children to transition from Educare in to after school care coming into an already trusted environment where they know the staff etc. At Playtopia children come first.

Our Philosophy

The early childhood years have a large influence on a child’s learning potential and ongoing intellectual, physical, emotional and social development.

At Playtopia Educare, children have the opportunity to play, learn, explore and grow through free play and structured experiences.

Children are competent and confident learners, through this we encourage children to learn and develop at their own pace in a safe and caring environment.

Starting school is an important time in a child’s life. We don’t view transition from early childhood education to school as a one-off event but rather as a process where children confidently settle into a continuous pathway of learning

Playtopia Educare welcomes all cultures in our community giving all children and families a sense of belonging within our environment.

Licensed for

30 children

A picture of Te Puna Manawa o Whakaue

Rotorua - Rotorua

Te Puna Manawa o Whakaue

“Ko te reo Māori te reo o te Manawa”

We provide positive learning opportunities alongside and in partnership with whānau, hapū and Iwi.

Our daily programme is delivered in te reo Māori and includes age appropriate science and technology activities that engage and inspire tamariki.

You do not need to be fluent in te reo Māori for your tamariki to attend Puna Manawa. All tamariki are welcome!

Licensed for

36 children

A picture of Te Kōhanga Reo o Matawera

Rotorua - Rotorua

Te Kōhanga Reo o Matawera

Te Kōhanga Reo o Matawera is a centre-based kōhanga reo located in Rotorua and provides for up to 24 tamariki. Book a visit today to connect with our kōhanga reo and to learn more about the options for your whanau.

Te Kōhanga Reo

The kōhanga reo movement is a unique initiative based on total immersion in Māori language and values with the aim of passing on Māori culture to future generations.

Kōhanga reo emphasise the revitalisation of the culture through te reo Māori and are dependent on the active participation of the whole whānau. The kaupapa of kōhanga reo aims to strengthen whānau capabilities in cultural, social, economic, spiritual and political matters. Education, health and wellbeing are inherent within all aspects of the kaupapa. The prime focus is the whānau – its collective development, growth, accountability and wellbeing set within a Māori cultural context.

Kōhanga reo do not regard tamariki in isolation, but as important members of the whānau. The kōhanga reo philosophy is that tamariki will benefit when whānau successfully operate according to the kaupapa. Tamariki are an integral part of whānau development.

The following key goals are the foundation of te kōhanga reo kaupapa established in 1982:

  • total immersion in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga in daily operations
  • whānau decision-making, management and responsibility
  • accountability
  • health and wellbeing of mokopuna and whānau.

The key goals of te kōhanga reo assure that there will be:

  • security in te reo Māori
  • a supportive, caring environment for mokopuna
  • whānau (collective) sharing of responsibilities, knowledge and expertise
  • greater respect and appreciation of each other.

Licensed for

24 children

A picture of The Treehouse on Ranolf

Rotorua - Rotorua

The Treehouse on Ranolf

Welcome to a special place! The Treehouse on Ranolf provides quality care and education for children up to the age of 6.  The Treehouse on Ranolf was opened on the 16th of February 2005.

The main objective for the Treehouse on Ranolf continues to be to provide an Early Learning Centre in central Rotorua that provides:

  •  High quality care and education from passionate, professional and qualified teachers. 
  •  Excellent teacher: child ratios
  •  A service that strives for ongoing quality in all aspects of operation.
  •  A small locally owned childcare environment that provides a home away from home to the children in our care, ensuring they feel secure to explore through   play in a natural environment.

Licensed for

38 children

A picture of Hamurana Playcentre

Rotorua - Rotorua

Hamurana Playcentre

Hamurana Playcentre is a small centre on the outskirts of Rotorua. We have 3 sessions a week, all are welcome!

Licensed for

30 children

A picture of Kidz World - Maisey Place

Rotorua - Rotorua

Kidz World - Maisey Place

Our Mission

To make a positive difference in children's lives by enhancing children's growth and learning experiences through practicing and developing the art and science of teaching. We will accomplish this through providing our children with care that promotes wellbeing, belonging and a sense of security, nurturing our children, ensuring we are meeting all of their needs. Our teams will work together to create an environment that is inviting to children, promoting effective learning through thoughtful design and careful presentation.

Best Quality Practice

Kidz World will continue to ensure our teachers are seeking best quality practice at all times. Teachers will continue to take part in professional development provided by Kidz World and will keep pace with current thinking and ideas through training and their own research.

High Standards

Kidz World teachers will hold to high standards and expectations in their teaching practice. We will ensure we are working with the children, observing the children and looking for teaching opportunities continuously throughout the day. 

Learning Environment 

Kidz World will be a great place to teach. Staff will be happy to be here. They will have a sense of achievement and continue to grow as professionals. They will be listened to, offered guidance and supported in their desire for constant and never- ending improvement. Experienced teachers will guide newer teachers to ensure they have support to understand our philosophy and to become part of the Kidz World Team. We believe we are taking our children on an adventure into the world of learning. Leading and supporting them, encouraging them to grown into not only healthy individuals, but into children with a love of learning.

Licensed for

90 children