Question 1

Are all Kindercare centres the same or do we operate differently?

Accepted Answer

Kindercare Learning Centres share the same mission, vision and values as part of our organisational structure. So operationally, you can expect to receive a high quality care and learning environment in all our centres. We also believe that each centre is unique and reflective of its local community. So we empower our centre leaders to localise their curriculum and focus to best suit the needs of your child as a unique individual, as well as the community in which a centre is part of.

Question 2

Why are Kindercare's kai and meals plant-based?

Accepted Answer

We serve meals based on a whole food vegetarian menu, with dairy, eggs and plant-based proteins including legumes. We do this for a few reasons. Firstly we believe exposing tamariki to a variety of fruit and veg promotes healthy eating habits from a young age. It's also environmentally sustainable and as part of our value of keeping children safe, reduces the risk of e-coli bacteria associated with raw meat. Thirdly, we are mindful of our diverse community of whānau; serving vegetarian meals with plant-based proteins is our best effort to ensure there is a place at the table for every child, regardless of their cultural and religious belief, while ensuring our meals have all the food groups needed for a balanced diet.

Question 3

How does Kindercare do transition visits for my child?

Accepted Answer

If it is the first time that you and your child are facing separation over an extended period, we advise planning some shorter transition visits before the start of your official enrolment. This will give you and your child, time to become a little more familiar with the environment and to cope with short periods of separation first, before you leave them for a longer session or for the day. So spend some time in the room with them, having fun. Then, the next time, pop out for a coffee and leave them for a short period of time. For your third visit, you could leave them a little longer still, to allow your child to gradually become accustomed to not having you there, but knowing that they are safe, loved and that you will always return for them.

For detailed information on transitioning your child for the first time, changing rooms and leaving for primary school, please read our Transitions For Children Policy.

Question 4

Does Kindercare provide nappies and formula?

Accepted Answer

We do not supply nappies or formula because every child has different needs. We ask that you supply your child’s own bottles, formula and nappies for each day they’re in our care.

Question 5

What will my child's sleep times look like at Kindercare?

Accepted Answer

Sleep and rest rituals play an integral role in providing outstanding care for every child. At Kindercare, each child will have a daily sleep and rest period, shortly after their midday meal.

We respect the personal choices of whānau in seeking professional advice, including Sleep Consultants, to establish individualised sleep and rest plans for their child, and, in partnership with parents, we will kōrero with whānau on sleep and rest aspirations. However, as we provide centre-based care, not all philosophies and practices around sleep/rest are aligned with the early childhood setting, or our commitment to Best Practice. To ensure optimal outcomes for each child, while they are in our care, our team are not able to accommodate those requests and requirements that do not support our commitment to Best Practice.

Question 6

What are Kindercare's rules around toilet training?

Accepted Answer

Kindercare does not have a hard and fast rule about what age children should be toilet-trained exactly. We understand how important it is for your child to develop this skill at their own pace, but we do encourage tamariki to be toilet-trained between 2–3 years old. Kaiako work with families to initiate this when it is appropriate for your child, working in partnership with parents. Our team is happy to share with you how we do this in the centre, so that you are informed and and involved, should you wish to adopt a similar approach at home.

Question 7

How does Kindercare prepare my child for primary school?

Accepted Answer

We focus on developing a child’s foundations for learning and their social-emotional capability, along with maintaining a strong connection between life at the centre and your whānau aspirations for them. You can refer to our Pathways to School and Kura program to learn more about how we support tamariki for school success, so they can be confident that their kete is full when they head off to school.

Question 8

What are Lunch Box Days?

Accepted Answer

Lunch Box Days are days when the midday meal is a packed lunch, giving your preschooler the opportunity to become familiar with unwrapping sandwiches, opening lids, snack bars etc. School Bag Days are similar, with children learning to get used to a school bag for when they formally start school.

Question 9

What about school visits?

Accepted Answer

School visits give preschool children an opportunity to experience their new environment, in the safe care of the teachers they trust and with friends they know. So where possible, we plan visits to the local school for your child, as part of preparing them for their transition to primary school. Further information about transition visits to for children leaving to start primary school can be found on our Transitions for Children Policy.

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