Kia ora!
Kia ora!
About this centre
Ōtara Early Learning Centre is a diverse, stimulating and welcoming environment where your child will develop as a happy and confident learner.
- One of our favourite things to do is visit the native bush nearby where we collect pine cones and leaves and see what creepy crawlies we can find hiding under old logs.
- Indoors we have plenty of play based resources and experiences that allow our children's curiosities to develop while they learn and discover at their own pace.
- Parents and whānau are always welcome at our centre, our open door policy means you can come in for a cup of tea or get involved with your child’s learning at any time.
0–6 years
Individualised support, guidance and resources
Flexible hours
Open 8:00am - 4:30pm with full and part day options
Large outdoors
Spacious, secure and fun environment
Nutritious meals
Healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks made fresh every day
Affordable fees
30 hours no charge all ages, up to 6 hours per day
Expertise and knowledge
Experienced in early childhood 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 central location, loving team and tailored environment are all waiting to be discovered by your whānau.
Full and part day options available, 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, delicious meals 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 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, while 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're so lucky to have so many wonderful options on our doorstep here in Otara. We grow our own vegetable and herbs in our garden and go on local community excursions. We go for regular bushwalks and often visit the new entrant class and playground of Sir Edmund Hilary Collegiate Otara Junior School.
Nutrition and wellbeing
We strive to provide nutritious and delicious meals and snacks to support physical and mental development. We encourage healthy eating habits and offer a balanced menu to keep your child well fueled throughout the day. The children also love being involved and we use the vegetables and herbs we grow, in our meals.
Your child will enjoy:
- Breakfast
- Morning snack
- Lunch
- Afternoon snack
To encourage learning we have 'lunchbox Friday' where children do bring in their own lunchbox with food from home.
Our centre is nut free and we're happy to cater for any allergy or other dietary requirements as required.
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
- Healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks
- 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 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
"The staff without a doubt are the best I have seen in New Zealand."
Samuel Ōtara"The staff are really friendly, helpful and supportive!"
Sione Ōtara
