Places at Kidsfirst kindergartens are filling fast – get in quick!
With some of the most experienced teaching teams around, over 110 years providing quality early childhood education and a commitment to the kindergarten philosophy, it’s no wonder Kidsfirst is a firm favourite with South Island families.
Our 66 not-for-profit Canterbury, West Coast and Central Otago kindergartens are enrolling and waitlisting now, with 20 hours free – even for two year olds – and special fees deals at our Get More kindys.
Ready for kindy? We’d love to see you anytime – book a tour, find a Stay and Play near you, or make a time to visit your local Kidsfirst kindergarten.
We can’t wait to see you at Kidsfirst – where local kids come to learn, play and make friends that could last a lifetime.
Ready for kindy?
Kindy is Ready for you!
Kaiako Wisdom
Kidsfirst’s fully qualified, registered teachers are one of the reasons families are drawn to our kindergartens. These special people bring years, and sometimes even decades of experience to their work, and take pride in making a difference in the lives of tamariki, whānau and the communities our not-for-profit kindys serve.
When you and your family join Kidsfirst, you become a part of our whānau. Our teaching teams get to know families and children well so they can tailor learning programmes to suit. They’re also a great source of information on the early years – check out some of their ideas in our stories below.
Preparing Creative Thinkers for Life
Want to encourage a sense of creativity in your child? Now is the time to do it. The kindergarten years are crucial to the development of our children’s creativity. During this time, tamariki are constantly engaged in play, and have a natural tendency to fantasise, experiment, and explore.
Taming Toddler Tantrums
Working out how to respond to a tantrum can be one of the greatest challenges of life with an under five, and it’s not always easy to know when to intervene and when to wait it out.
The Power of Parent Play
It may seem like a simple game of peekaboo, hide-and-seek, or tag, but children learn so much through play in the early years. It’s important to social development, too. Whānau and caregivers have a big role to play in helping tamariki grow grow lively brains, and healthy bonds.
What’s so Special About Kindergarten?
Kidsfirst is over 110 years old, and was one of the first kindergarten associations in New Zealand. Over the years, many other forms of early childhood education have been established in New Zealand with different philosophies and approaches. Some people don’t realise that ‘kindy’ is something altogether unique.
Calming First Day Nerves
Starting kindergarten is a huge step in your child’s life – it’s often the first time they’re setting off on their own, and the beginning of many years of formal education to come. Giving tamariki the best introduction to learning outside of the home can bring positive benefits that they will take with them into a lifetime of learning, so it’s good to get it right from the start.
