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SIT CHILDCARE CENTRE

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SIT CHILDCARE CENTRE

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SIT CHILDCARE CENTRE

SIT CHILDCARE CENTRE

Childcare Centre
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The SIT Childcare Centre is welcoming, friendly and safe.

Childcare for all the Community. SIT Early Childhood Centre caters for a wide range of the community’s childcare needs, from babies through to pre-schoolers. Our well-established facility has been twenty-six years in its current site on the corner of Ness and Eye Streets; the convenient location is handy for parents needing proximity to central Invercargill. We have an experienced team of staff – a high percentage (98%) of whom are fully qualified early childhood teachers. Children in our care benefit from long-serving team members who have a great knowledge base and are also passionate about providing the best level of care. Our Centre believes in quality education and care, so we have above the Ministry required staff/child ratio’s.  

Each area has their own outdoor, all-weather play space, allowing for fresh air and activities, regardless of the weather. 

We aim to work in partnership with children, parents/whanau to build strong, trusting, open relationships that will allow the children to become independent, confident, active explorers, contributing to their own learning in an environment that is filled with challenging experiences, laughter and fun. 

 

The Centre follows strict Covid Guidelines and these will change from time to time depending on Government advice, please check with the Centre if you are unsure before you visit.

Our Parent Support committee is coordinate by parents/whanau that attend the centre. The committee is a voice that enables parents to be actively involved in the decision making and review process of policies and procedures for the centre to ensure expectations and outcomes for the children can be met. Our committee is also involved with fundraising for special events such as the Disco, Christmas Party and for “special” equipment/resources. 

Childcare Centre Gallery

Our Vision

Ka whakarato tātou i tētahi taiao haumaru me he taiao  poipoi me te wero hoki i runga i ngā akoranga torotoro me te ngākau nui ki te whakakaha i ngā whakahoahoa i te taha o ngā tamariki me ngā whanau hoki. Nā roto i ngā kōrero tuwhera, te whakaute, me te whakawhirinaki. He mea nui kia matou ki te whakamana ngā iwi rerekē katoa o te hāpori nei, ā, ki te whai i te ngākau nui ki te ako i roto i ngā tamariki katoa.

Kia Ora, We provide a safe, nurturing and challenging environment based on exploration and intentional teaching, where strong partnerships with tamariki and whanau are created through open communication, respect, and trust. We value our culturally diverse community and aim to foster a love of learning in all children. Live, strive, succeed

Our Fees

$6.20 per hour / $195 per week (for 35 hours or more over 5 days) or $102 (for 3-6 years old) (35 or more hours per week over 5 days)

Centre offers 20 ECE hours. 

Includes: Morning and afternoon tea, soundproof sleeping rooms, inside and outside play areas.

Conditions for the set rate are:

Actual attendance must be 35 hours plus per week. The set rate applies regardless of Public Holidays, days off, shortened hours or teacher only days (maximum of one per year)

Childcare Subsidy:

There is a subsidy available through Work and Income New Zealand. This is based on personal circumstances and income - more information here. 

Learning & Capacity

We use Storypark as a tool to share, record and communicate learning as it happens by sharing photos, video, audio, observations and routines within a secure online environment.

Being centrally located we regularly provide the children with the opportunity to explore their local environment and make connections to the community, including regular outings to our version “Bush School”.

We are licenced for 74 children and have 3 separate rooms (0-2) – (2-3.5) and (3.5-6) for age appropriate play and exploration including extra large  separate outdoor spaces.

 

Contact Us

Address: Corner of Ness and Eye Streets

Hours: 7.45am-5.15pm, Monday to Friday. Closed for Public Holidays and 3 weeks over Christmas/New Year.

Phone: (03) 218 3604 - Bookings are essential.

Email us

Follow and like us on Facebook:
@SITChildcare

Parents Feedback

Alaina Oakley - Parent

My two granddaughters both attended SIT Early Learning Centre and now my grandson also attends. My family have had a lot to do with the centre over a number of years as my nephews and niece also attended. We have always felt very welcome and they all embraced our family as a whole. My granddaughters learnt a lot from being there and I've noticed some changes in my grandson now as well. I would recommend the centre to anyone looking for a pre-school.  I also have found all staff very caring and understanding not only with the children but also us as well.

Alaina Oakley - Parent
Julia Shannon - Parent

Our family chose to come to SIT Childcare because we observed an inclusive environment that catered to the diverse range of learners in each classroom. We value the student-centred approach where the teachers accommodate whatever interests the tamariki have and incorporate our families goals towards this learning. Our children have been given the opportunity to explore a range of cultural experiences, community excursions, bush school, and the chance to give back to the wider community. We love that the classrooms have the chance to play with each other and the staff know all the students throughout the centre, not just the ones in their rooms. The staff are friendly, welcoming, flexible and understanding of our family and our commitments. It is a centre with a warm family feel, and we are so grateful our children were able to spend their early years here.  

Julia Shannon - Parent

Teachers profiles

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Kirsten, a recent graduate from the University of Otago, holding a Bachelor of Teaching. Up-to-date knowledge on current theory and practice. Kirsten uses both formal and informal assessment to share learning and gain insight from whānau to support learning progression over time for tamariki.

Kirsten
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Steph, 20 years plus experience in Early Childhood Education. Steph holds a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) and is passionate about children being immersed in outdoor learning, along with becoming kaitiakitanga (guardians) of our place. 

Steph
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Mel, an experienced infant and toddler kaiako with sound knowledge in best practice for our priority learners. Mel creates spaces where children can learn through open ended resources within supportive and attentive caring environments. Mel has a Bachelor of Education (teaching). 

Mel
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Kristina, dual qualification in both Primary and Early Childhood Education. Kristina has experience in teaching in the Philippines and brings with her passion in curriculum design and cultural identity.

Kristina