Childcare options in Whangarei Cbd

Avenues EduCare is a non-profit, community based Early Childcare Centre which has a strong history of education and care in the community.  We value and respect the important contribution the community has made over the years and continue to develop and maintain relationships with past families/Whanau, childcare centres, and organisations within the wider community.

Avenues EduCare believes quality relationships are important and values the partnership educators create with parents/whanau and their children.  We endeavour to work collaboratively with families to enrich children’s learning and development.  We believe positive communication between parents/whanau is important for this partnership to develop and grow and endeavour to provide a welcoming environment for children, parents/whanau, caregivers and visitors.  We have an open door policy an encourage parents/whanau to communicate their children’s needs, desires and aspirations with the educators.

We believe that children learn to their best ability when they feel secure and safe in and with their surroundings.  The spacious outdoor area in a natural setting fosters positive learning experiences.  Our rich learning environment ensures children are happy and have the freedom to explore new areas of learning that feeds their curious minds.  Our curriculum fosters holistic development for each individual.

Teachers develop relationships with children which foster creative emergent learning.  We believe each child is a unique individual which brings magic and excitement to learning.  All children are nurtured and cared for in a respectable way ensuring all their daily needs are met.  Our educators model positive reciprocal, responsive and respectful relationships. We invite participation, while respecting the wishes and cultural beliefs of parents/whanau.  We embrace and acknowledge our bicultural and multicultural society celebrating diversity in our culture.  We promote Te Titiri O Waitangi though Te reo, tikanga, waiata and by using natural resources.  We are committed to Te Whariki and believe in weaving the principles, strands, goals throughout our practice and environment.

At Avenues EduCare we embrace children’s individual interests by noticing, recognising and responding through careful observation and being in the moment.  Children’s interests and passions are incorporated daily into the curriculum, extended and scaffolded through careful planning.  Children are inspired and encouraged to try new and challenging experiences.  Children are encouraged to develop a thirst for knowledge and become lifelong learners, both independent learners who can discover their own interests and passions and also individuals who can work collaboratively with others.  Children are encouraged to persist with difficulty, respect individuals and learn to self-regulate.  We value children’s individuality and endeavour to teach respect for people, property and belongings.

Mokopuna Early Childhood Education Centres provide quality education experiences for pre-schoolers with a distinct emphasis on te reo Maori me ona tikanga.

We believe in the promotion and delivery of quality educational opportunities for pre-school children and provide learning experiences within our centres that recognise and support the delivery of te reo Maori me ona tikanga in a bilingual and bicultural setting. We offer the standard 20 hours of free early childhood care and education for 3-6 year olds but also offer an extra 10 hours free for those seeking full time enrolment (e.g. 9-3 Monday to Friday). To discuss how we may help provide educational experiences and opportunities for your child please private message us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Welcome to Smiths City Childcare Centres a facility we have designed to extend and enhance your child’s learning and development throughout their infancy, toddler and pre-school years.

We are a popular Centre established and purpose built 22 years ago with a unique pod system  to provide childcare and education for families with children between 0 and 5 years of age in four separate areas that cater for Babies, Toddlers, Betweeners and Preschoolers.  We have the convenience of our position being in the heart of the C.B.D.  but without the problem of noise and pollution from vehicles due to our very safe off –street location.

The Centre Owner and Head Teacher has a long history of facilitating the growth of childcare opportunities  in  Whangarei having established 4 other purpose built centres from inception to licence. The Centres are open for 10.5 hours per day, Monday to Friday opening from 7.00a.m. to 5.30 p.m..

There are four different cluster groups as described below.  Choice of group will be decided in consultation with parents and Senior staff and this movement can be flexible.

The Centres are licensed for 124 children,

divided into the following  pods:

Vinery Lane Building

Bumbles - 6 weeks  to approx 2 years 

Busy Bees - 2 years to 3 years approx 

Hunt Street Building

Beehive - 3 years to 4.25 years 

Bees Knees - 4.25 to 5 years 

Centre Objectives

• To provide a safe, clean, secure and stimulating environment for children and their families.
• To provide developmentally appropriate programmes catering for the individual needs of the child, including children with special needs.
• To follow the curriculum as set down in Te Whaariki.
• To facilitate the social, emotional, intellectual, physical and language development of each child.
• To foster a sense of self worth and pride in the child.
• To foster respect for one’s peers and play materials and equipment.
• To assist the child in understanding limits and why they exist.
• To foster feelings of happiness and a sense of belonging in the child.
• To provide the opportunity for the child to make decisions, take responsibility and express themselves appropriately.
• To provide the child with an understanding of health, hygiene and dietary requirements.
• To provide an environment that acknowledges and supports cultural differences.
• To provide opportunities for extended families to be actively involved in the Centres.
• To act as a resource for parents and to endeavour to meet the various childcare needs and concerns within the community.
• To maintain communication with authorities, agencies and relevant bodies in the community.
• To provide Early Childhood Educators and their students, the opportunity to undertake placements in the Centres.
• To provide staff with the opportunity for professional development and to work as a team in a happy and rewarding environment.