Early Learning Counties Manukau Takanini

Welcome to Takanini Child and Family Centre, located in the heart of Takanini, Oakleigh Avenue. Early Learning Counties Manukau Takanini is a well-established and vibrant institution that offers a fantastic and innovative opportunity for children's growth and learning before the age of five. Our dedicated team at ELCM Takanini is caring, inviting, open, and welcoming to all children, families, and visitors in our community.

Our teaching team consists of qualified, registered, and in-training teachers, as well as enthusiastic support staff. We believe that providing a healthy, safe, stimulating, and enriching environment for our children is of utmost importance. We follow the children's interests, extend their thinking, and challenge their physical boundaries. Our center takes pride in its environmentally friendly building and surrounds, featuring an indoor/outdoor flow to generous play spaces that have a naturally appealing look and feel.

We strive to cater to the needs and aspirations of the entire community, building strong relationships and nurturing confident and competent children, as "Children are the heart of all we do." To accommodate families, we offer flexible hours, including morning and afternoon sessions for children over three years old.

Our program is tailored to each child's age, stage, and interests. We are a play-based center, drawing inspiration from various philosophies and approaches such as RIE/Pikler and Reggio Emilia. We promote and encourage inquiry-based learning, utilizing the environment as a third teacher. Our program has a kindergarten character and feel, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum, Te Whāriki. We embrace a bicultural approach while valuing, respecting, and welcoming all families and cultures in our community.

At ELCM Takanini, our fees include a nutritious and balanced menu, providing morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Additionally, we offer late snacks for children attending full days. Parents are requested to provide formula and nappies for infants, as well as nappies/pull-ups for toilet-training children.

You may also be eligible for child-care subsidy assistance from Work and Income NZ. As part of the Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association, we have been providing quality educational experiences and environments for children since 1952. Our 22 kindergartens and 6 ELCM centers are 100% kiwi owned and operated, operating on a not-for-profit basis.

Join us at Early Learning Counties Manukau Takanini and discover a nurturing and stimulating environment where your child's early learning journey will be cherished and supported.