Childcare options in Linden

Welcome to Kids Count! We’re a Kiwi-owned family of childcare centres established to ensure every child can reach their potential, no matter what their family circumstances. Education is critical to future happiness and success. It starts in the home and is supported by children attending a preschool centre. We understand that it’s not always easy to ensure your child is able to attend preschool, so we have made it as easy for you as possible.

To start with (at no cost to you), we will collect and drop off our tamariki every week day in our sign-written vans. Once children arrive at a Kids Count centre, we make sure they’re fed nutritious and fun meals and snacks throughout the day. That means everybody has a full puku to help them focus in their learning and you don’t need to be bothered with meals — including breakfast if you are running late.

We keep our fees as low as possible. All children over 3 are entitled to at least 20 hours of free care per week, and this includes access to all our services. When fees do apply, they are set according to the Work and Income Childcare Subsidy. We’re committed to working with families to ensure our centres are accessible to everyone and that issues of payment of fees do not compromise your child’s future. There is always a solution to this matter. Don’t be embarrassed or shy — you are not alone.

We also include transitions to school programs so that our tamariki can feel excited about their next steps after graduating and leaving our centres to attend the “big” school. These programs are applied individually to children based on their development so that they have the learning skills they need to be confident and competent learners at school. Lessons also include Kapa Haka and cultural events that celebrate our heritage and give kids a sense of belonging. As physical development and confidence is a key part of a child’s development, swimming lessons for children over 4 are offered by trained instructors in our centres with pools and attendance at community gym classes are funded for those children at our centres that don’t have a pool. (At no cost to whanau).

For parents, Kids Count offers community partnerships through our Family Liaison Services, which connects families with advocacy and support services, budgeting assistance, WINZ, Salvation Army and counselling to help overcome any barriers they face. We also run free parenting sessions and community groups. We know that by supporting parents, we’re helping our tamariki thrive. Parents are the foundation of a child’s journey, and we’d love to partner with you to help your little one grow.

Kids Count was founded in 2009 by Mary McLeod. She wanted to create a program that removed barriers so ALL CHILDREN could get a great start in life. Now with four centres and more in construction, Kids Count continues to expand the benefits of an early childhood education to all our children and their whanau.

Our kindergarten is spoilt for outdoor space with an environment that changes with the seasons. As indicated by our name, we are often visited by Tui residing in the area.  

As a teaching team we choose to identify as ‘yes’ teachers and believe in honest connections with children. Saying yes has had a positive flow on to supporting children's social competency. We believe in creating a space where children are truly listened to by teachers who respect and respond to their needs.  

We love to have fun and laughter is a big part of our day.   

Our door is always open for whanau and we often have past whanau stopping in for a cuppa and a catch up.  

We love to bake and cook with the children, with soup and bread often offered on cold days.  

We love to see whanau involved in our kindergarten programme. We have a warm and welcoming environment with an open-door policy. Parents are welcome to stay with their child, especially when they are settling.   

We have an event each term that encourages whanau and community participation and fun, such as  a treasure hunt, disco,  Matariki celebration, Christmas celebration, and  PJ day with breakfast at kindergarten.  

We recognise the three official languages of New Zealand: English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language and all three are included in our programme. We have a strong emphasis on bi-cultural practice and all cultures are celebrated and respected. We encourage whanau to teach us about their own culture and the things that are important to them.   

Our recent ERO report was very positive, stating that our philosophy is seen in practice with the day-to-day interactions between teachers and children.

Tawa Linden Playcentre is our home. Members are our whanau. Tawa Linden Playcentre is a multicultural, lovely, and friendly community which focuses on early childhood and families. 

Tawa Linden Playcentre parents and their tamariki aged between 0 and 5 run 4 sessions a week this term.

Parent teams guide and engage with small groups of children, join in their play, helping them make the most of the learning opportunities. Parents contribute different skills and experience while working alongside each other on session. 

Tawa Linden Playcentre is Very Well Placed in the 2017 ERO review. Please feel free to contact us at Tawa-Linden Playcentre to arrange a visit or to find out more info.