Kia Ora welcome to Koru Kids ELC

About Us

All Tamariki are welcome at Koru Kids Early learning centre
Our home away from home where we celebrate the culture of the Papatoetoe Community through quality early learning programmes and everyday routines
With us every child feels a sense of belonging.
Growing Tamariki through CARE / CULTURE & COMMUNITY

Philosophy & Mission

At Koru Kids Early Learning Centre establishing (initiating) and maintaining strong, warm, trusting relationships between the Kaiako (teachers), the tamariki (children), and the whanau/families by embracing the principle of whanaungatanga form our foundations. We believe in being more than just a daycare centre in Papatoetoe; we know that we form the basis of growth and adaptability in our children’s lives. A children-centric focus helps us to maintain our perspective as guides in their lives, not dictators. We strongly believe that children are unique taonga entrusted to our care, are seen as competent and confident young learners who bring their own sets of skills and knowledge, and are ready to be challenged and to learn. Our vision as an early learning centre in Papatoetoe is to allow natural growth and understanding through working in togetherness and respect. It is an environment that allows us to see more clearly and offer a space of safety and inspiration for our children. Our teachers work alongside the children and in partnership with the whanau to support the child’s holistic growth and development. We welcome whanau contributions and aspirations and work in collaboration with them. At our child community centre in Papatoetoe, we provide both the opportunity and resources to enable the bonds between our teachers, children, and community members to flourish.

The teachers strive to create a safe, stimulating environment at Koru Kids, we understand and value learning through play, where the infants, toddlers, and young children have the time, space, and freedom to explore, make their choices, initiate and participate in a variety of learning experiences, take lead and contribute to their own and others learning and development. At Koru Kids, we also understand and respect the importance of transitions into, within and from the centre and support our children and families in this process. We strive hard to make our transitions Authentic, personalised, and unique. The unique place of the Maori as a Treaty partner is recognized through Te Reo and tikanga. We are consistently working towards authentically practising holistic views that Maori hold on teaching and learning. Celebrating, respecting and recognizing the different cultures, values, and beliefs of all our families is important to us and helps our families and children develop a strong sense of well-being and belonging to the centre. In fact, our childcare centre in Papatoetoe, South Auckland has been created with the sole focus of creating a well-rounded approach to the education and care of our young children and fostering the types of relationships that will help them grow and succeed in life as whole human beings. Our Kaiako are passionate, authentic teachers who pride themselves on their professionalism and transparency and understand their responsibility to grow further alongside the children and to be life long learners. Together, with the children and whanau, we aim to build a community that inspires, learns together, and has fun!!

Testimonials

It has been the best, This is our first centre our child has attended. Koru Kids always take care of her and are always informing me of what is happening – Highly recommend.

My child started at koru Kids in 2017 with some behaviour issues, Because of the understanding and encouragement he received from all of the teachers he was able to overcome many challenges. He is treated with love and care and through the teachers skills was able to bond well and thrive

EXCELLENT – My child has developed so much confidence and forged many friendships. All of the teachers love my child and the level of care shown is amazing.

I love Koru Kids, everyone is very helpful and always encouraging my child to try new things, We feel like part of a family.

Excellent centre, lovely Teachers, great learning opportunities, Nutritious food, Love and Care. Always helpful and cheerful.

We really appreciate the efforts of the teachers for my child, They taught him to be independent. The best thing I can say is my child never cried going to Koru Kids and this is because of the lever of care and comfort Koru Kids provides.

I can’t describe Koru kids in a better way than as an extended loving Whanau.

Very supportive, Careful and helpful. All teachers and super nice and kind.

Best daycare ever – Staff are very patient, Kind and extremely loving and caring.