Types of Positions

Permanent Positions

Kaiako and Kaiako Matua positions, full and part time are advertised on our website and in the Education Gazette. To apply for these positions please complete our online application forms.

Administration and management positions are advertised externally, with Education Team positions also being advertised in the Education Gazette. These positions are typically applied for by way of cover letter and CV or Functional CV and each vacancy will detail the application instructions.

You don’t have to commit to a 40 hour working week to be part of Kidsfirst – there are often a number of opportunities with varying levels of hours on offer that can work at every stage of your working life.

Kaiako Rīwhi

We don’t take for granted the important role rīwhi (relievers) play within our association. Kaiako Riwhi are vital to the success of our kindergartens.

Many of our retired kaiako stay on as relievers, continuing to contribute their wisdom and talents to the next generation of kaiako and tamariki. Often, past kaiako will come back to us for relieving work when they re-join the workforce or come back to the profession after a stint away. Others just enjoy the variety of working in a mix of kindergartens and communities.

Our day-to-day relieving is casual in nature, this means as and when required. The amount of work a reliever will receive each week will vary according to the time of the year and the requirements of individual kindergartens along with their availability. Relievers who are prepared to travel to any kindergarten are likely to have more regular work. We appreciate having relievers who are available over the winter and during term breaks.

Full day relief typically starts from 8:00/8:15am in our kindys and ends at 3:00/3:15pm for most kindergartens, which is generally the contact hours of the kindergarten along with ½ an hour at the beginning and end of the session for preparation and tidy up (7 hours, less an unpaid lunch break). Some part-day, morning, afternoon, and lunch cover sessions are available, too.

There is no professional time associated with day-to-day relieving.

Relievers are individually contacted from 6.45am each day and matched to a specific relieving job meeting their needs and ours. The hours for relieving will vary depending on the need at the time. You will be paid for the hours you are booked.

Fixed term relieving comes up from time to time and these positions are typically filled from within our pool of relieving kaiako. If you have indicated on your application that you are interested in such opportunities, our Professional Leaders or Human Resources will assess the fixed term position alongside your application and contact you with any suitable opportunities that arise.

Provisionally Certificated Teacher Programme (Tōmua)

We run a comprehensive Induction and Mentoring programme for kaiako holding Tōmua /provisional certificate to support them to move to tūturu/full practicing certificate. This programme may include:

• An assigned Mentor
• Termly formal meetings with your Mentor as well as ongoing feedback and discussion sessions
• Support and feedback from their Kaiako Matua
• Comprehensive appraisal system
• Termly meetings with other PCTs on topical subject matter
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to visit other Kidsfirst kindergartens to observe other kaiako and their practices
• Professional reflections of their practice
• Opportunities to take on delegated responsibility/leadership roles within the kindergarten

Student Kaiako

Kidsfirst works closely with tertiary providers to provide opportunities for early childhood education students to experience what kindergarten has to offer through student placements and practicums.

We have experienced kaiako who love to support the next generation of kaiako, sharing knowledge and wisdom to strengthen teaching practices across our network.

If you’re studying early childhood we’d love to support your journey. Please ask your tertiary provider to contact Kidsfirst today about your student placement with us.

Kidsfirst only employ fully qualified and certificated kaiako, and as such do not have “Teacher in Training” positions within our kindergartens.