Kia ora!
Kia ora!
About this centre
Kaikōura Early Learning Centre is a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment where quality early learning and our tamariki are at the heart of what we do.
- We have a very spacious, purpose built centre and our tamariki love to swing out on the monkey bars and hanging ropes, dig moats in the sandpit, explore waterplay and enjoy our natural setting and large outdoor play area.
- We even have our own vegetable patches and orchard where the children grow and harvest their own food!
- We are proud to be a part of a diverse and vibrant community where your child’s unique identity is celebrated every day.
0–6 years
Individualised support, guidance and resources
Flexible hours
8:30am-4:00pm with part or full day options
Large outdoors
Spacious, secure and fun environment
Nutritious fruit
Fresh fruit provided at morning and afternoon kai time
Affordable fees
20 hours no charge for 2 yr olds. 30 hours no charge for 3 yr olds (t&c apply)
Expertise and knowledge
Experienced in early learning for 50 years
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More about us
Convenience
Our aim is to create the best conditions for your child's learning, wellbeing and care. We also know how important it is to give you the convenience you need and reassurance that your child is in safe hands. Our beautiful location, near the beach, loving team and tailored environment are all waiting to be discovered by your family/whānau.
Full and part day hours, and Storypark - our online parent communication tool, are just some of the ways we try to make things a little easier for parents. Local excursions and fun activities are just the beginning when it comes to being the best we can be for your child.
Staff who nurture and inspire
Our qualified and experienced teachers are committed to caring for and nurturing your child. They build a strong connection with each child throughout their early learning journey and go out of their way to ensure every child feels supported and their unique needs are met.
Our teachers create positive opportunities for your child to develop physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. They help guide your child as they navigate new friendships, master new skills and build independence and resilience to get ready for school and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.
Engaging environment
Our happy and nurturing environment will inspire, stimulate and empower your child to learn in their own unique way. The outdoor spaces challenge and excite the imagination. We have our own vegetable patches and orchard where the children grow and harvest their own food.
Our spacious and light filled indoor areas offer room for reading, rest, and engaging indoor learning experiences. Our children love painting, waiata and the many natural play areas they have to discover.
Connecting with the outdoors
We only know who we are, by knowing where we come from. That's why building a strong connection with nature and our local community is so important. We believe it helps your child develop a sense of belonging and identity and positively influences their learning experiences.
We take every opportunity to contribute to the local community by doing meals on wheels, regular visits to the local hospital spending time with the residents there and sharing produce with families and community members.
Visits to local schools offer transition to school assistance and we take part in the community.
We're so lucky to have so many wonderful options on our doorstep here in Kaikoura. We go on community excursions to the local library and visit the high school playground on school holidays.
Fees and subsidies
We want to make your child's early learning and care experience as affordable as possible. We are a not for profit organisation, so everything we do goes back into supporting your child, the centre and our community.
Our fees include:
- Quality education, care and activities provided by our team of teachers
- Local outings
Did you know you may eligible for fee and ECE subsidies? Talk to our Centre Manager for further information.
What's happening
Learning through play
Our team of teachers are guided by Te Whariki – NZ’s Early Childhood Curriculum. They work closely with your child and respond to their unique curiosities by creating an environment that is reflective of each child's needs.
Connecting with whānau
Our whole community benefits from families and whanau being involved in our centre and their children's learning. Connecting with you via Storypark and celebrating community events and festivals are just some of the ways we include families and whānau.
Community Connection
From growing their own veggies and herbs in our veggie patch to local excursions in the community, we constantly look for ways for your child to explore the connection between their community, their environment and themselves.
Stay in touch with Storypark
We use Storypark to record and communicate learning as it happens via photos, video, audio and observations within a secure online environment. Parents and whānau can receive instant feedback and plan new ways to extend their child’s unique interests and abilities.
Testimonials
“My boy loves it here. I feel the staff there are attentive and have all of the children's best interests at heart.”
Paul Kaikōura“I think it is a well-run centre with great vision and direction for the children and has a great variety of learning and activities for them. And fantastic teachers!”
Anita Kaikōura“The staff are fantastic, a great mix of people and the whole place has a really welcoming feel.”
Kelly Kaikōura
