Geckos offers specialised early childhood education for preschoolers. Using child-led learning techniques and our play-based curriculum, our qualified teachers will empower and support your child as they develop to becoming school ready.
Our space is built and designed with 3-5 year olds in mind and some areas were even designed by our tamariki. Quality playground equipment, supervised cooking events, communal meal times and secret gardens are just some of the ways we use play to transfer important life skills to our pre-schoolers.
Our space is built and designed with 3-5 year olds in mind and some areas were even designed by our tamariki. Quality playground equipment, supervised cooking events, communal meal times and secret gardens are just some of the ways we use play to transfer important life skills to our pre-schoolers.
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Quality Teaching Staff Our team are professional and dedicated kaiako, their passion is early childhood education and that is reflected in their practise. Our aim is to make you and your child feel like Geckos is a second home for your whanau whilst giving your child the best opportunity to thrive. Environmentally Friendly Our Geckos centre is one of the few childcare centres in Northland that has been accepted into the Enviroschools program. This means we meet the high standards of being environmentally friendly with our practise and our teaching. |
Catered Environment Each of our three centres works with its own age group. This allows us to set-up each environment to meet the demands of the required age that we are working with. Empowering Children Part of our philosophy is to empower children to lead their own learning and make their own choices. This helps them to grow into strong, independent individuals. |
Small Group Sizes Geckos is licenced for a maximum of 26 children. We allow for 4 teaching staff to keep our staff to child ratios well below the ministry requirements. This allows us to give every child the time they need as well as go on exciting adventures into our community. School Transitions We have a strong connection with our neighbours at Whangarei Primary School to help aid with transitions no matter which primary you plan on attending. Every child leaves with a detailed report for the new school to understand where your child is at on their learning journey. |
Transition to School
The transition from early learning to primary school is a big change in your child's life. When your child turns 4, it’s time to start thinking about preparing for a positive transition to school.
At Geckos, we will help ensure your child feels safe, confident and connected to their new school and friends. One of the ways we do this is by developing strong connections with our local primary, Whangarei Primary School. Even if your child transitions to another school, everyone benefits from spending time at Whangarei Primary. We enjoy sitting in on junior classroom time each week and participate in special events, such as cross country and assemblies. Tamariki become comfortable with older students and the busier pace of a school environment.
We have an open door policy and encourage your child's new primary teacher to visit your child here at Geckos. Before your child leaves us, we’ll write a letter celebrating them to their new school.
Please approach us for information about different schools in the area and feel free to ask us to join you on school visits.
At Geckos, we will help ensure your child feels safe, confident and connected to their new school and friends. One of the ways we do this is by developing strong connections with our local primary, Whangarei Primary School. Even if your child transitions to another school, everyone benefits from spending time at Whangarei Primary. We enjoy sitting in on junior classroom time each week and participate in special events, such as cross country and assemblies. Tamariki become comfortable with older students and the busier pace of a school environment.
We have an open door policy and encourage your child's new primary teacher to visit your child here at Geckos. Before your child leaves us, we’ll write a letter celebrating them to their new school.
Please approach us for information about different schools in the area and feel free to ask us to join you on school visits.
A day at Geckos
8.00am |
We begin to arrive and settle into child-initiated play |
10.45am |
Morning gathering, followed by morning kai |
11.00am |
Child-initiated play |
12.45pm |
Lunch kai |
1.00pm |
Child-initiated play |
3.00pm |
Tidy up together, followed by afternoon kai |
3.30pm |
Child-initiated play |
5.00pm |
Everyone is home |
We set aside long blocks of time for tamariki to fully engage in the activities of their choice, allowing them to enjoy deeper, richer and more powerful learning through play. We read the tamariki’s cues to tell us when it’s time for refueling, or quiet time, so don't be surprised if you walk in and our rhythm doesn't look exactly like this.
What to pack in your child's bag
Each day your child will need to arrive with:
- Food for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea in a lunch box
- Change of clothes, we love to get messy and wet while we learn!
- Food for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea in a lunch box
- Change of clothes, we love to get messy and wet while we learn!
Come and see us!
