MARC Early Learning Centre Inc

Welcome to MARC Early Learning Centre Inc, a not-for-profit, community-based early childhood education service located on Mt Albert Rd in Auckland, New Zealand. Situated in the grounds of the Mt Albert Research Centre, which houses Plant & Food Research and ESR, our centre offers a unique and enriching environment for children to learn and grow.

Originally a converted house, MARC Early Learning Centre exudes a warm and homely atmosphere. We were founded by parents who worked at the Research Centre when it was known as the DSIR. Initially named MiniMARC, we changed our name in 2013 to accommodate the increasing demand for our services. Parent involvement is highly valued, and a committee of parents and staff meets monthly to govern the centre.

Access to our centre is through the Mt Albert Research Centre driveway to the left of the building. Limited parking is available on the right at the bottom of the driveway for a maximum of ten minutes. Alternatively, parents who walk or cycle can enter through the secured gate on Mt Albert Road. Push chairs can be left on the deck by the staffroom.

We are open Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, offering a ten-hour window for children to attend. However, most children typically stay for up to nine hours a day. Please note that we are closed on Public Holidays and for a week between Christmas and New Year.

At MARC Early Learning Centre, we prioritize the well-being and education of every child. We maintain an excellent staff-to-child ratio, allowing teachers to provide individualized attention and ensure high-quality care. For babies, the ratio is one staff member to three children, while for over twos, it is one staff member to seven children. Our low staff turnover contributes to a stable and comfortable environment.

As a not-for-profit centre with a close relationship to Plant & Food Research, we are able to offer affordable fees without compromising on the quality of care. A current fee schedule is available at the centre for your reference. Upon enrollment, we request payment of two weeks' fees in advance, followed by fortnightly payments. Fees are applicable regardless of whether your child attends or not, except during the centre's closure over Christmas.

We believe in building a partnership with parents, as they know their child best. We encourage open communication and information sharing through Storypark, an online learning system. This allows us to collaborate and provide the best possible care and education for your child.

At MARC ELC, we provide home-cooked morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. If your child has any special dietary needs, please discuss them with the Head Teacher. A menu sheet is displayed on the wall by the sign-in sheet, allowing you to track your child's meals. We also support nursing mothers and accommodate their breastfeeding arrangements. For bottle-fed babies, we provide standard formula, but please supply a named bottle if your child requires a specific formula.

We understand that transitioning to a new environment can take time for any child. To ease this process, we have a settling procedure in place, tailored to each child's needs. No fees are charged during this settling period.

To ensure the safety and administration of our centre, we record sleep times and nappy changes on a daily basis. It is important to sign your child in upon arrival and departure. If your child requires medication, written approval is necessary. Please inform us in advance if someone other than the usual person will be picking up your child. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our children and will only release them to approved individuals. If your child will not be attending for the day, kindly inform us via phone.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child to MARC Early Learning Centre Inc, where we strive to provide a nurturing and educational environment for every child. For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact us at 098151690.