Gracefield Early Childhood Centre

Welcome to Gracefield Early Childhood Centre, a not-for-profit, community-based institution located in Waiwhetū, Lower Hutt. Our center is housed in a charming villa and features a spacious outdoor area that is enjoyed by our children all year round.

At Gracefield, we believe in laying positive foundations for our children, enabling them to become confident and capable learners. Our environment is designed to be stimulating, enriching, and tailored to the individual interests and needs of each child.

In our Ngā Pīwakawaka room, your child will experience a warm and homely atmosphere, with dedicated and experienced teachers who nurture and care for them. We understand the importance of consistency between home and center life, so we incorporate your child's routine into our daily activities. We also value the knowledge that parents have about their children and work with you to create an environment that caters to your toddler's individual needs.

In the Ngā Tūi room, children are provided with a range of stimulating resources and activities. Our teachers ensure that their personal needs are met while encouraging them to become confident and competent learners. We focus on promoting self-help skills and independence. Additionally, the Ngā Tūi and Ngā Kererū groups interact closely to foster social skills among both age groups.

The Ngā Kererū room is dedicated to providing learning opportunities that extend upon your child's interests and prepare them for school. Our well-equipped room and experienced teachers provide an excellent foundation for their learning journey.

At Gracefield Early Childhood Centre, we acknowledge the dual heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand by upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living document between Māori and other Tangata Tiriti. We value each child, family member, and teacher as individuals and recognize their importance within our center community. We also understand the importance of nurturing and caring for our physical environment, which we consider as the third teacher.

Our aim is to foster a learning environment that encourages empathy, cooperation, kindness, caring, and trust, supporting our children to grow as competent and confident learners. We prioritize children's wellbeing and sense of belonging, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met through meaningful interactions, intentional teaching, and spontaneous moments.

Trust and reciprocal relationships between children, families, and teachers are the foundation for children's learning at our center. We treat each other with respect and equity, building partnerships and trust.

We celebrate tuakana-teina relationships and embrace the principle of ako, recognizing the reciprocal nature of all learning. In our inclusive learning community, everyone is empowered to express their feelings and contribute to the growth and development of each child.

Come and join us at Gracefield Early Childhood Centre, where your child's journey towards a bright future begins.