Kidsfirst Kindergartens Vickery Street

Welcome to Kidsfirst Kindergartens Vickery Street, located in the quiet and peaceful neighborhood of Kaiapoi, New Zealand. Our kindergarten is nestled into a big, kiwi backyard filled with towering climbing trees, the sweet melodies of birdsong, and children joyfully exploring their surroundings. As soon as you step through our doors, you will feel the wonderful wairua (spirit) that permeates our institution.

Creating a sense of belonging is of utmost importance to us as we engage with our tamariki (children) and whānau (families). We strive to make our kindergarten their second home - a place that is welcoming, inviting, and fun. Our calm and peaceful program is filled with laughter, happy children, and enthusiastic learners.

Inside our kindergarten, you will find a light and warm environment with various areas set up for children to explore and engage in play experiences alongside their peers. We offer a wide range of resources and equipment, including quiet spaces for creative and imaginative play. Learning happens everywhere and at each child's own pace.

Our beautiful, expansive backyard provides a calm yet bustling environment for our tamariki. With grassy areas, barked spaces, gardens, and specially designed equipment, we support children's physical growth and development. Here, children have the opportunity to choose and learn to use real resources such as saws, hammers, and gardening equipment. They develop skills in managing risk and making safe choices while nurturing their curiosity through natural discoveries and observing the changing seasons.

Our dedicated teaching team takes immense pride in providing a program for children aged 2 to 5 years old. We foster a strong sense of belonging by encouraging children to show Manaakitanga - caring for each other - and Kaitiakitanga - caring for our environment. We are here to support each child's learning journey, acknowledging and valuing every person in our community as both a teacher and a learner.

At Kidsfirst Kindergartens Vickery Street, we believe in the power of collaboration. We view whānau (families) as significant partners and include them in our early learning journey. We regularly welcome visitors from our community, and our tamariki take great pride in showcasing their kindergarten to these guests. We cherish the richness that our whānau and visitors bring to our program.

Community and connectedness lie at the heart of what we do. We hold regular family and whānau events, fostering relationships that extend beyond the walls of our kindergarten. Additionally, we have a special "Whānau Time" session every Tuesday morning, where infants, toddlers, and young children, along with their families, can come and connect with others while their little ones play and learn alongside our kindergarten children.

We actively engage with the Kaiapoi community, supporting our tamariki in strengthening their connection with their local surroundings. Our tamariki participate in activities such as walking to a nearby park and engaging in rubbish collecting, instilling a sense of responsibility beyond the kindergarten gate. Strong links with local primary schools further support the smooth transition to school for both you and your child.

We recommend enrolling your child for at least two full days initially, gradually increasing to five days at their own pace. This allows our dedicated teachers to get to know your child and provides consistency in supporting their learning.

Nau mai, tauti mai - come in any time! We are incredibly proud of our unique learning environment and would love to show you around. Kidsfirst Kindergartens Vickery Street is truly a wonderful place to learn!

Keep an eye out for our special offers, which aim to make our not-for-profit, community kindergarten accessible to more children. However, spaces are limited, and these offers only apply for a limited time. Conditions apply.