New Zealand early childhood education
Photo taken at Geckos Childcare Centre, 2019
There are many early childhood options for your child and each type has its own way of working with children and their parents.
The first 20 hours per week of Early Childhood Education is government funded and largely free for children from age three until they start school.
Find an Early Learning Service in Whangārei.
Kindergarten
Children are supervised by qualified teachers and half-day sessions are held for different age groups, starting from age three and going to five years old. There may be a small charge to attend.
For more information, visit Northland Free Kindergarten Association.
Day Care Centre
Most Whangārei suburbs and communities offer privately owned day care facilities for your child. There are charges for day care, but a tax rebate may be available.
For more information, visit IRD support for families.
Playcentre
Playcentres are run by parents and their philosophy is all about the importance of parents as educators of their own children.
For more information, visit Playcentre Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Kohanga Reo
Te Kohanga Reo are total immersion preschools for children up to six years, where Te Reo Māori or the Māori language is the only language spoken, for children aged up to 6 years.
For more information, visit Te Kohanga Reo.
Homebased childcare services
These services are offered in the caregiver’s home. Caregivers may be qualified teachers. Providers include Barnardos and Back2Nature.