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Welcome to kindergarten and to Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens.
We're your community, not for profit kindergarten association.
Congratulations on joining the Whānau Manaaki family. The pre-school years are among the most important in your child's life. At kindergarten, your child will have fun, make friends and learn so much. Whānau Manaaki kindergartens is a network of not-for-profit services, including 103 kindergartens and a homebased service. In the spirit of kindergarten, we are all about welcoming, caring, belonging and learning. There is some information here to get you started, ahead of your child's first day, but the best guide to your kindergarten is your teaching team and other whānau. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - everybody has them. We want you and your tamariki to feel comfortable, and to get the most out of your kindergarten experience.
Children vary in how long it takes them to settle at kindergarten. Here are some ideas that might help:
Remember it can take time to settle children - we will always contact you to come back if necessary.
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What to wear:
Please dress your child in clothes that allow creative and messy play, including water and sand play.
Named clothes are preferred.
Please make sure you include warm clothes in the winter months, and a sunhat in the warmer months.
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When you arrive;
When you collect your child;
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When your child attends kindergarten regularly – it helps them to develop a sense of belonging and build up friendships with other children and the teachers, and it helps their learning.
Your child is expected to attend when they are enrolled, unless they are sick or due to other family circumstances. If your child is away or there is a change in their attendance – please let us know.Absences can affect the funding that we receive from the Government.
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We offer the Ministry of Education’s 20 Hours ECE (Early Childhood Education) in all our kindergartens.The Government provides up to 20 hours ECE per week to all 3, 4 and 5 year old children.
The Association has a fee policy. You will be asked to sign a Fees Contract when you enrol your child at kindergarten, please check that the details are still applicable.
WINZ subsidies If your child is enrolled for more than 20 hours a week and you are studying or working you may be eligible for a WINZ subsidy for up to an additional 30 hours per week. Please call WINZ 0800 774 004
Whānau Contributions (Voluntary Donation) Whānau Contributions are voluntary donations that help us pay for 100 per cent qualified teachers in our kindergartens. These are not compulsory and are classed as donations by IRD.A receipt will be sent at the end of each tax year.The suggested amount for Whānau Contributions is 50c per hour (up to a maximum of $10.00 per week). You will receive a request for Whānau Contributions at the beginning of each term.
More information can be found in the “20 Hours ECE, Fees, Whānau Contributions” pamphlet.
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When your child starts kindergarten, we set up a portfolio record of your child’s learning. We assess your child’s learning using photographs, written comments and samples of their work.You can look at your child’s portfolio at any time and add any comments.
We give feedback about your child through their portfolios but we also try to talk with you frequently, and you can always approach any teacher to ask about your child.
Kindergarten teachers are here to help you and your child with whatever support and assistance you need so do not hesitate to approach any of us with concerns that you may have about your child.
Many kindergartens use Storypark to document children’s learning. Teachers will discuss this with you.
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Feel free to come and spend time with your child at kindergarten. We invite and encourageparents to contribute to the life of the Kindergartenby:
Parent Communication:
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Kindergartens and playgrounds are smoke free at all times.
Illness: If your child is unwell please keep them at home. If your child has had vomiting, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis (sticky eyes) or fever, please make sure they are clear of these symptoms for 2 days before they return.This protects your child and other children.These guidelines come from the Ministry of Health.
If your child becomes unwell at kindergarten, we will contact you immediately.
Accidents: We always call you if there is anything we feel you need to know about your child while they are at kindergarten.It is important that your emergency contacts are up to date in case we are unable to get hold of you
Medicines and Allergies:
Immunisation: We are required to keep a register of children’s immunisations and will ask for an immunisation certificate when your child enrols at kindergarten.You can get this from your family doctor.
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Emergencies:
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We hope that you and your child enjoy your time at Kindergarten
