Historically, the main difference between kindergartens and daycare or early learning centres (ELCs), has been that ELCs enrol under two year olds and kindergartens do not. Typically ELCs offer longer days than kindergartens, but this is case by case and as many kindergartens across Aotearoa begin to offer longer hours, the hours of operation are no longer a defining feature.
Central Kids kindergartens have a range of opening hours depending on the community they serve, and some are all ages kindergartens, enrolling tamariki from 0-6 years of age. You can find out what each of our services offer in our kindergarten directory.
Kindergartens provide a unique early education environment that nurtures the development of tamariki through a blend of play-based, holistic education grounded in a structured curriculum, strong whānau and community involvement, and a commitment to inclusivity.
The kaupapa is the same
All early childhood education providers in New Zealand follow Te Whāriki early learning curriculum, and have the freedom to support tamariki learning in the ways that best meet their needs. That means we’re all aiming for the same learning outcomes for tamariki, but the way we go about it might be a bit different from service to another, and from one tamaiti to another, as the needs of every tamaiti are different.
Central Kids uses Te Whatu Pōkeka learning assessment framework to measure learning and progress over time, in a way that is personalised to every tamaiti. Find out more about our child-centred learning philosophy.
The kaiako are the same
A few years ago Central Kids decided to employ all of our early learning centre kaiako with the same terms and conditions as kindergarten kaiako. That means within Central Kids early learning centres and kindergartens, all kaiako receive the same pay and other employment conditions. We’re grateful for this, as it is not common in other early learning centres.
All Central Kids kaiako participate in ongoing professional development so that we’re well equipped to meet the needs of every tamaiti.
The standards are the same
Central Kids has high standards for its learning environments. We are very well resourced, and as a non-profit organisation all funds generated are reinvested in our services and people to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience for tamariki.
The Ministry of Education and Education Review Office are responsible for ensuring we comply with early learning regulations, and we have systems and processes in place to meet them at all times. All Central Kids services are licensed with the Ministry of Education as kindergartens.
The āwhi is the same
Central Kids is committed to ensuring every tamaiti can experience quality early childhood education, and we provide flexible financial and accessibility options to help remove any barriers for our whānau to achieve this. Whānau who would benefit from extra assistance are offered support and guidance towards achieving a resilient, stable and supportive home life for tamariki. Meeting the needs of our enrolled whānau is important to us, because when you thrive, so do our tamariki.
