Welcome to Gracefield Early Childhood Centre
About Gracefield Early Childhood Centre
We are a "not for profit", community based Early Childhood Education Centre situated in Waiwhetū, Lower Hutt. Our friendly centre includes a homely styled villa and a spacious and fun outdoor area that is utilized in all seasons.
We believe in providing positive foundations where children become confident and capable learners in an environment that is stimulating, enriching and captures the interests and needs of the children at heart.
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All children 6 months to 5 years welcome
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We are a parent-cooperative
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Cooked lunch and healthy snacks are provided throughout the day
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We have a high level of qualified teachers and excellent child-teacher ratios
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We are licensed for 40 children (10 under two's and 30 over two's)
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We provide all children safe, friendly and comfortable surroundings
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We are open from 7:30am-6.00pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30am to 5.30pm Friday.
Learning Areas
Learning Through Play
Ngā Pīwakawaka
Ngā Tūi
Ngā Kererū
6 months to 2 years
Ngā Pīwakawaka room provides a warm and homely environment with dedicated and experienced teachers nurturing and caring for your child. We incorporate your child's routine into the centre to ensure consistency between home and centre life. We respect the knowledge that our parents have in regards to their children and work with you to provide an environment that caters to the individual needs of your toddler.
2 years to 3.5 years
Ngā Tūi room provides your children with a range of stimulating resources and activities. The teachers will ensure your child's personal needs are being met while also encouraging your child to become a confident and competent learner through the promotion of self-help skills and independence. Ngā Tūi closely mingle with ngā Kererū in order to promote social skills among both groups.
3.5 years to 5 years
Ngā Kererū room is entirely focused on providing learning opportunities that extend upon your child's interests and incorporates developing the skills and knowledge that your child needs for school into their play. The room is well equipped with resources and the environment caters for the needs of all ngā Kererū. Our experienced teachers also provide an excellent foundation for ngā Kererū, extending their learning.
Rapunga Whakaaro
Gracefield Early Childhood Centre acknowledges the dual heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand by upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living document between Māori and other Tangata Tiriti.
Our philosophy is based on the values of:
Manaakitanga; Aroha, Empathy, Respect & Kindness
We value each tamaiti, whānau member and Kaiako as individuals and recognise their importance within the centre community. We recognise our physical environment as the third teacher and value the importance of nurturing and caring for it . We aim to foster a learning environment that encourages empathy, cooperation, kindness, caring and trust, to support our tamariki to grow as competent and confident learners.
Kotahitanga : Oneness, Unity & Togetherness
We value and support children’s well-being and belonging. We uphold children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through reciprocal relationships, meaningful interactions, intentional teaching and spontaneous moments.
Whanaungatanga : Wahakapapa, Whanau, Belonging & Connections
Trusting, reciprocal relationships between children, Whānau and Kaiako are the foundation for children’s learning. We treat each other with respect, and in ways that are equitable for all, to build partnership and trust.
