Kindergartens Waikato Te Kowhai

Waikato Kindergarten Association includes 29 Kindergartens Waikato centres providing quality child care & child education with Qualified Teachers in large purpose built facilities, 20 Free ECE Hours.


Enrol from birth at one of our 34 locations:


Kindergartens Waikato: Start from 2 years old. Morning, Afternoon & School Day sessions.


Early Education Waikato: Start from 3 months old. Open 7.30am – 5.30pm. Healthy Heart Award meals.


The Waikato Kindergarten Association provides more than just childcare its “Where Children Learn”.


Te Kowhai Kindergartens Waikato supports and promotes respectful, reciprocal relationships between staff, families, children and the natural and physical environment. Our outside area is in a beautiful natural setting, overlooking a gully, and is large and spacious. Our building has been completely renovated and is now light and spacious and well resourced. Children’s interests are extended, and children are learning to be competent, confident, independent learners and communicators.




* Warm & welcoming staff who are passionate about teaching and learning.

* Safe, caring and stimulating environment.

* Well resourced and huge outdoor play area.

* Children develop social interaction and respect.

* Learning based on the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whriki.

* Value family/whnau and kindergarten partnership.

* Transition to school programme.


We believe quality early childhood education makes a significant difference in the way a child learns and develops throughout their life.


Unlike schools, our centres are not zoned and therefore you can enrol your child at the centre of your choice.


If you are looking for more than just childcare in Hamilton, Cambridge, Ngaruawahia, Raglan or Te Kowhai we are the right choice.


What age should I enrol my child?


To secure your space we encourage enrolments from birth. We can then give you an approximate start date.


What age will my child start?


From two years old at Kindergartens Waikato


How much will it cost?


We offer 20 Free ECE Hours – which means we are part of the government scheme which allows all children over three years old to have 20 free hours at any Kindergartens Waikato or Early Education Waikato.


Please call us 0800 CHILDREN (244 537) for a complete fee structure.


What hours will my child attend?


Kindergartens Waikato offers 2 – 7.5 hour sessions


What will my child need to bring?


Kindergartens Waikato




* Spare set of clothes

* Sunhat (supplied free)

* Nappies if required

* Healthy food & drink


How do I enrol my child?


Use one of the following methods:




* Complete a Vacancy Enquiry form online

* Call us on 0800 CHILDREN (244 537)

* Email wka@kindergarten.org.nz

* Visit your preferred centre


What happens on a day-to-day basis?


We never have a dull moment! Our qualified teachers carefully plan programmes that prepare your child for school.


Learning Activities: Teachers provide learning extensions which include numeracy & numbers, literacy & language, nature & science, computers & technology, puzzles & games, creative arts, sand & water play, trips, transition to school programme, child friendships… and more!


Mat Time: Children work together to share daily information, stories, songs, movement, drama & waiata, etc.


What do children learn?


Our qualified staff carefully plan programmes that fulfil the early childhood curriculum. We aim to ensure children are competent, confident and successful learners. Children will learn and develop:




* A strong foundation in reading, writing and maths

* Art, creativity, music and dance skills

* An understanding of sustainability and their environment

* The importance of New Zealand's heritage

* Social skills, behaviour management and manners

* Self confidence

* Learning skills such as independence, creativity and curiosity

* Friendships that may last throughout their schooling

* Relationships with consistent, familiar teachers

* To understand and operate within a structured routine