Ready for Kindy?

Kindy is Ready for you!

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.

What’s So Special About Kindergarten?

Ready for Kindy?

Kidsfirst is over 100 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 here with different philosophies and focuses, and some people don’t realise that ‘kindy’ is something altogether unique. “There are many things that set us apart,”… Read more


The Power of Parent Play

Ready for Kindy?

It may seem like a simple game of peekaboo, hide-and-seek, or tag – but for young children activities like these teach essential skills to help grow healthy brains and social bonds. “When tamariki play, they are engaging their critical thinking and problem solving abilities, and making sense of the world around them,” says Learning Support… Read more


Taming Toddler Tantrums

Ready for Kindy?

It’s something every parent dreads – feet begin to stomp, toys are thrown across the room and the yelling can be heard from blocks away. Figuring out the best way to respond to a tantrum can be one of the greatest challenges of life with an under five, but it is not always easy to… Read more


Preparing Creative Thinkers for Life

Ready for Kindy?

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. Play is fun, but it is also… Read more


Calming First Day Nerves

Ready for Kindy?

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 the home can bring positive benefits that they will take with them into a lifetime of… Read more


A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage