Find Our Kindergarten
Why Choose Us
At Kidsfirst Terrace, tamariki feel right at home as they explore and discover an environment that honours their mana, wairua and mauri. Each day brings new opportunities for curiosity and learning, as children follow their interests guided by fully qualified, registered kaiako.
Little inventors, engineers, mathematicians, builders and artists come to life through our ‘Loose Parts’ approach. Using natural resources, pipes, cardboard, boxes, and planks, children spark their imagination, solve problems and create masterpieces together.
In our beautiful Big Backyard, tamariki grow in confidence as they climb mature trees, take safe risks and develop crucial physical skills. Here, children learn to work together, communicate their ideas and challenge themselves while having endless fun.
We love our regular adventures along the nearby rail trail, where tamariki strengthen their connection to the community and develop as kaitiaki of their environment. These experiences, combined with our strong relationship with The Terrace School, help create smooth transitions when tamariki are ready for that next big step in their educational journey.
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
