First Steps Pioneer

This is a new BestStart Educare centre opening in June..

As a BestStart centre we are committed to the '3 P's' of quality pre-school: people (qualified teachers and competent caring staff) programme (extending children's learning, letting children work in different parts of the centre doing what they enjoy, purposeful play and an over-arching learning model Te Whariki, and place (quiet areas, exciting outdoor fun, child appropriate environments).

As one of our parents said, "It's great to go back to work and know my children are in safe hands, having fun and learning".

At our child care centres you will find people who enjoy working with children. You will find happy children involved in their activities and expertly guided by our qualified teachers.

What all our centres have in common is a nurturing attitude and commitment to ensuring each child is cared for and supported in a warm, friendly and positive environment. We have excellent qualified teacher to children ratios, quality equipment and toys and impressive learning environments.

We work with children in age groupings because we feel this is best for learning. Our centres have clear goals for each age group so that appropriate learning programmes are planned based on early childhood theory and practice.

We are very proud of our quality environments and stable teaching teams. This means children bond with teachers, bonding has been shown to be critical to the well-being and development of children in all age-groups under five. It is a critical quality indicator if you need childcare for your baby. Our teachers know about baby brain development and how to stimulate children and develop their learning potential.

Each child has a portfolio that celebrates their achievements and progress.

Our rates are very affordable and many centres offer the 20 ECE hours.

We recognize that parents are in fact the first teachers and have a wealth of skills and knowledge children will benefit from sharing. We welcome you at any time of the day to visit your child and see our busy, happy and creative centres and watch your child at play, learning.

Our environments are designed so that children can find cosy learning places pr other play spaces to socialise, play or just get some physical exercise, something that is important in preschool education.

Says Wayne Wright, managing director, We consider it a privilege to have a role in the lives of the children entrusted to us. We undertake to provide the best environment in which your child and grow and develop.

Our teachers are employed for their love, knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to children. We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and provide teachers with professional development opportunities that further develop their skills and knowledge.

Most of our teaching staff hold early childhood education qualifications (three year degree followed by two year registration process) and participate in ongoing training to further grow their skills. BestStart prides itself on its professional development opportunities that support and empower teachers to keep on learning throughout all stages of their career. We have an acclaimed Advice and Guidance programme that supports teachers during their journey to get full registration as a teacher.

It's easy to see why mums and dads choose to put their child in our centres:
- Qualified teachers and caring staff
- Carefully planned programme for each child to extend and develop their learning so they are school ready.
- Individual learning portfolios for each child
- Close communications with parents
- Flexible opening hours
- Locations throughout New Zealand.
- Affordable fees
- Nutritious homemade meals
- Free parenting magazine
- Appreciation of many cultures

It takes a village to bring up a child and a quality child care centre is a wonderful part of a child's village. This is where children learn to trust the village and discover that life and learning are fun.

We look forward to being part of you and your child's early learning years. Come and have a look at one of our many quality childcare, Montesori, preschool, kindergarten and baby care centres in your community today.

Find out why so many parents say BestStartprovided a great learning foundation for their child before they start school.

Know your child is being well-cared for, educated and prepared for school. For excellent staff to child ratios; trained, qualified and caring teachers, top notch equipment and toys and a safe and attractive learning environment visit a BestStart centre near you today.

BestStart operates well-known brands Edukids, Kids to Five, First Steps, Montessori, Community Kindergartens, ABC, Early Years, Topkids and Kiwicare.