Kindergartens

Kindergartens in New Zealand

The word Kindergarten comes from the German word ‘Kindergarten’ which means ‘children’s garden’. Kindergarten (or Kindy) is New Zealand’s oldest and longest running Early Childhood organisation. Kindergartens are government-funded and operate as charitable trusts. Each Kindergarten must meet minimum requirements under the Early Childhood Regulations and are accountable to the Education Review Office (ERO).

Kindergartens typically accept children from 3.5 years old and provide morning and afternoon sessions. The younger children attend a set number of afternoon sessions per week and the older children, who are nearing school age, attend the morning sessions. In recent years many Kindergartens have adapted to meet the changing needs of their communities. Some accept children from 2 years of age, while others are providing full-day or extended sessions that run during school hours.

The teacher to child ratio in a Kindergarten is 1:15 with parents generally helping out on a roster system. All Kindergarten teachers are fully qualified and registered.

Kindergartens cost roughly $2 – $5 per session, as most rely mainly on parent donations and fundraisers. All Kindergartens provide 20 free hours for three and four year olds, which subsidises parent fees significantly.

Kindergartens base their learning programme on Te Whaariki – The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum. Kindergartens often have a strong emphasis on free-play and child-initiated learning. Children are given opportunities to explore a range of core learning areas such as art and creativity, science and nature, carpentry, dramatic play, ICT, construction, fine-motor activities, gross-motor activities, dough and puzzles. Children are also given opportunities to take part in mat times and planned music sessions. Teachers adapt the daily programme to meet the changing needs and emerging interests of the children.

All kindergarten children receive a profile book which provides families with an insight into their child’s time at Kindy. It will include learning stories, art work, special achievements, events and photos.