Lower Hutt City Child Care 2 Saint Albans Grove, Woburn, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5010

Welcome to Lower Hutt City Child Care, located at 2 Saint Albans Grove in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Our institution is a point of interest and school that is dedicated to providing a quality, engaging, and learning-focused environment for children.

At Lower Hutt City Child Care, every dollar that comes into the center is used to support our tamariki (children). We believe in learning through play-based programs to develop positive emotional and social skills. Through dramatic play, creating, and exploring, tamariki have the freedom to be anything they want and explore in any way they want. This play-based approach allows them to learn important skills such as problem-solving, taking turns, expressing emotions, and sharing their ideas and thoughts with others.

Our daily program is child-centered, with kaiako (teachers) observing tamariki to understand how they like to learn and what interests and inspires them. Each child has an individual curriculum focus plan that extends their learning and development through our play-based program. We provide a balance of child-led and teacher-led experiences to enhance learning opportunities for all tamariki. Our kaiako support and guide the children, answering questions and encouraging them to try new experiences and challenge themselves.

The emotional well-being of our tamariki is our top priority, especially for our youngest age groups. We practice primary caregiving to build relationships and develop trust between child and kaiako. Our environment is inspired by Reggio, RIE, Pickler, and our unique New Zealand culture. It is natural, calm, and relaxing, with intimate spaces for children to learn alongside their peers as well as quiet spaces for relaxation.

Outdoor learning is an important part of our program, and we make our outdoor spaces available to the children as much as possible. We believe that exploration in all types of weather helps children's learning and development. Gross motor skills such as jumping, climbing, balancing, and running are encouraged as they contribute to brain development and pre-writing skills.

Throughout the year, we organize various fundraising activities to support the center. These include auctions, raffles, garage sales, and calendars. The funds we raise go towards new play equipment and developing areas around the center.

We also take regular short excursions around our local community, including visits to nearby schools, ECE centers, and the library. These trips allow tamariki to explore their surroundings without having to walk long distances.

We provide healthy and nutritious meals prepared by our cook. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and late snacks are also provided. Our menus are pre-planned, but any alterations or special diet requirements are noted for all whanau (family) to see.

At Lower Hutt City Child Care, we prioritize the well-being of every child. For those with existing conditions such as asthma, allergies, or diabetes, we can create a health plan and store necessary medications in our locked first aid cabinet.

Please note that our center is closed on two days each year for our kaiako to engage in professional learning and development as a team, typically near Labour Day and Easter.

Thank you for considering Lower Hutt City Child Care as a place for your child's growth and development. We look forward to welcoming you and your tamariki into our learning community.