FAQ's
Do I have to be a New Zealand citizen to access 20 Hours Free?
No, but your child must be between the ages of 3 and 5 years.
Do I have to be a New Zealand citizen to enrol my child at kindergarten?
No
Can I start my child at one kindergarten while waiting for an available place in another kindergarten?
Yes
Are kindergartens zoned?
No, you can enrol at the kindergarten of your choice, irrespective of where you reside.
How long do I have to be on a waiting list before my child can start kindergarten?
We generally start children in age order, with older children being placed first, so length of time on a waiting list does not determine when a child starts kindergarten. The average starting age at some kindergartens may be higher than others, due to demand for places. Enrolment may be assessed on a case by case basis, and in some kindergartens with high enrolment levels conditions may apply.
I will be temporarily residing in New Zealand for several weeks, can my child attend kindergarten?
Yes, if we have a place available.
Do I have to pay extra for my child to attend excursions and entertainment?
No
Can my child attend other services as well?
Yes, your child can attend other services.
How safe are my children at kindergarten?
All of our staff who have access to children are police vet checked, we have strict policies around the supervision of children at all times (including excursions), we have procedures for the safe collection of children at the end of sessions by authorized adults only, our teachers are first aid trained, we have procedures in place for children with allergies and regular health and safety checks are conducted to ensure we comply with safety regulations.
I want to start my child at kindergarten now, what is the easiest way to find out which kindergartens are available to take my child?
Please visit our kindergarten pages and contact your preferred kindergarten directly, or complete our online enquiry form and our team will help you.
I want to know more about kindergarten, who can I speak to?
Our Head Teachers, Education Manager, or General Manager are happy to help.
You’ll find contact details on each kindergarten page, or you can complete our online enquiry form.
My child has additional learning needs, can they be enrolled at Kindergarten?
Yes, we welcome children with additional learning needs and have fully qualified, trained teachers who are skilled at managing children with special learning needs.
If I do not want my child to attend for all of the hours available at kindergarten, can they attend for fewer sessions?
Some of our kindergartens allow place sharing. You will need to discuss this with the kindergarten Head Teachers or contact the Association to find out where place sharing may be available.
How do I choose a kindergarten?
A number of factors may be taken into account by parents when choosing a kindergarten such as location, session times, the primary school their child will attend, the kindergarten’s philosophy, reputation, when a place may become available etc. We strongly recommend visiting several kindergartens before deciding as each is so uniquely different.
Must my child be toilet trained or immunized before attending kindergarten?
No
Does my child need to be able to speak or understand English before they can attend kindergarten?
No