Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Alexandra, we believe in the value of play, and in supporting children to be present and aware in those moments. Our experienced teachers will support your child to build relationships, practice sharing and co-operation, problem-solve, persist and not give up.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills are all part of the learning journey, woven into every day activities.
Our beautiful Big Backyard has been designed by experts with the learning needs of young children in mind, and inside our beautifully designed spaces give tamariki a place to create, share, and spend quiet time.
Beyond the kindergarten gates, we explore our unique setting – a fun-filled way for tamariki to discover with the freedom to take risks, learn about the past, present and future of their region, and learn to know and love how to be kaitiaki for their local fauna and flora.
Our team acknowledges and values every person in this place as a teacher and learner, supporting the tikanga principle of ako: the educator also learns from the child and the learner and whānau cannot be separated.
We welcome visitors to extend the children’s interests and learning and expand their cultural horizons. We’re here to help each family find the right balance for whānau so they can be involved in ways that work best for them.
Nau mai, haere mai – make a time to visit us and remember, you’re always welcome at Kidsfirst.
Why Kidsfirst Kindergartens
With over 100 years of proud legacy, Kidsfirst Kindergartens is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and leads kindergartens across Canterbury, the West Coast and Central Otago. Generations of South Island tamariki and whānau have passed through our gates, and we have strong ties to local communities.
Our kindergartens are down to earth places with warm, nurturing teachers with a rich range of resources and environments to explore.
One of the hallmarks of our kindys is that you’re always welcome here – whānau are encouraged to visit and stay, and take part in kindergarten life. We love it when families share their skills, and culture too – our kindergartens are some of the most diverse learning environments around, and children learn best when teachers and whānau work together.
Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Curriculum, guides our teaching and learning programmes, while the kindergarten philosophy underpins all we do. Tamariki learn through play in their own time, through their own interests, guided by trained teachers who are registered with the Teaching Council of New Zealand. You’ll often find our kindergartens located on, or near, local primary schools. Preparation for school and a smooth transition are a key part of the work for our kaiako.
Our kaiako are overseen by Professional Leaders with a focus on quality and ensuring the highest educational standards. Formerly known as the Canterbury Westland Free Kindergarten Association, Kidsfirst – and its kindergartens – consistently receive strong reports from the Education Review Office. You can read more about their assessment of our governing organisation here.
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A proudly New Zealand owned and operated not-for-profit kindergarten association with over 110 years of kiwi heritage
