FAQ’s

When your little one is off to childcare, it can become quite daunting knowing you have chosen the right place for your little one. To make it a bit easier we have answered the most common questions asked. Feel free to ask any additional questions you might have.

What does my child need to bring each day?

We are a busy centre and, as a result, encourage children to go outside as much as we can. In addition, we also provide a lot of messy and wet play. Therefore, to ensure your child is comfortable and prepared, we recommend packing the following:

3-4 Nappies (if in nappies)
3 changes of undies and pants (if toilet training)
2-3 changes of clothes including socks and undies
Appropriate footwear
Lunch box and drink bottle each day
Sunhat for terms 1 and 4
A warm hat for terms 2 and 3
Waterproof warm jacket for terms 2 and 3

Finally, please label all clothing.

What do I need to provide for lunch?

At Children First Preschool, we have a saying, “Two things healthy before your treats,” to encourage healthy choices. Furthermore, we encourage tamariki to drink water as their first choice of drink. In addition to promoting healthy eating and drinking habits, we are also a rubbish-free centre. Therefore, any packaging will be sent home.

What ways do you communicate with Whānau?

At Children First Preschool, we prioritise clear and consistent communication with families. To achieve this, we utilise an online learning story program called Educa. Through Educa, your child’s profile kaiako will write stories about your child’s learning experiences, update you with important messages, and share the weekly planning for the program. This allows you to stay informed and involved in your child’s preschool journey.

In addition to Educa, each Kaiako has an email address that they will share with you. Feel free to use this email address to send any questions or updates about your child. We also leverage social media, primarily Facebook, to share important announcements and updates with the preschool community.

Finally, open communication is a cornerstone of our philosophy. Our Kaiakos are always available for a chat during drop-off or pick-up times. They genuinely love to hear what has been happening at home with your child and share the highlights of your child’s day at preschool. This two-way communication fosters a strong partnership between families and our educators.

My child is still in nappies, how often are they changed?

Nappies are changed every 3 hours. This works out to be around 11 am and around 2 pm. If your child is nearly ready for toilet training or interested in using the toilets at preschool we will aim to change them while they are sitting on the toilet. We are always happy to help your child during toilet training and will have an hourly toilet alarm to encourage the use of the toilet and reduce accidents during play.

What kind of finanical support is available?

We provide 20 ECE hours for children 3 years old and over and welcome parents and guardians to apply for WINZ Childcare subsidy.

IRD also have available Family Boost: The program is available to households earning up to $180,000 per year and you make a new claim for each 3 months.

Key features of Family Boost:

Eligibility: Households must have a combined annual income of less than $180,000.
Payment amount: The payment amount is based on household income. See the table below for details.
Claiming: Both parents can claim Family Boost, even if separated.
- Save invoices: Start saving invoices from July 1, 2024.
- Register: Register for Family Boost in myIR from September 2024.
- Submit invoices: Submit invoices and receive payment from October 1, 2024.

For more information: visit www.ird.govt.nz or call IRD on 0800 227 773 for more information about Family Boost.

What is the teacher/student ratio?

At Children First Preschool the centre is licensed for 50 students and we are very lucky to have a ratio of 1:8 The teachers are all fully registered with the Teachers Council and have all have a current First Aid certificate. We are also lucky to have a support person.

What happens if my child is sick?

At Children First, we really get to know your child and understand their behaviour. When their behaviour changes, this can be an indication of your child not feeling well. If your child becomes ill at preschool we will contact the parents/caregivers and if we are unable to reach someone we will then contact the emergency contact listed on the enrolment form. Your child will be made comfortable while they wait to be picked up.

If your child has an accident at preschool, we will make them comfortable and will let you know on pickup. If it is a serious accident, we will contact the parents/caregivers and if we are not able to reach someone we will contact the emergency contact listed on the enrolment form, as well as an ambulance if required.

If your child is sick at home, please phone or text to let us know they will not be in and if it is COVID related.

How do I go about settling my child into preschool?

We recommend at least three settling sessions before their start date. These are times when you come and join in on our activities, helping your child get to know the teachers and routine. Please allow the teacher to interact and care for some of their needs, this will help gain trust and belonging to the preschool. You are not charged for the time you are with your child.

What is the daily schedule at preschool?

At Children First, we have two classrooms, Rainbows for 2 to 3-year-olds and Butterflies for 4 to 5-year-olds.

7:00 am Drop off time, settling into preschool
9:30 am Rainbows stay in the Rainbow Room and Butterflies go through to the Butterfly Room
10:00 am Morning tea
10:15 am Programme time/inquiry time
12:00 pm Lunchtime
12:30 pm All back together for free play
1:00 pm Afternoon activity
2:30 pm Tidy uptime
3:00 pm Afternoon tea/home time
3:15 pm Free Play
5:30 pm Centre closes