FAQs
frequently asked questions
These questions can help parents make an informed decision about whether Avonside Early Childhood Centre is right for your child.
It’s always a good idea to come visit our preschool and meet with us to get a feel for the environment and we can answer any additional questions you may have. Every preschool is unique and may have different procedures, so it’s important to ask about our specific policies and procedures.
We uphold the 100% qualified and registered teacher ratios as set by the Ministry of Education. As a big part of your child’s day will be directed and supported by teachers. We feel it is important that they are knowledgeable and experienced, and are committed to ongoing professional development. Our teaching team are our biggest asset and are greatly valued here.
Our team are also trained in first aid to ensure the safety of your child during their day.
We keep our teacher to child ratios high, and are way above the required Ministry of Education ratios. This allows for 1:1 time with children that are settling, or have extra needs.
Preschool is a child’s first step into the world outside home. So, it is essential that your child feels safe, loved and nurtured at Avonside. It is also a place which lays the foundation for learning for your child. As a parent, you need to ensure that a preschool upholds the lower teacher-to-child ratio in order to achieve this.
You will need to fill out an enrolment form, which we will give you in your enrolment pack when you visit.
After you have completed the enrolment form, you will need to show us:
- proof of your child’s age and citizenship – birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate or NZ residency document
- your child’s immunization certificate (from your Well Child book)
- medical information about your child such as allergies, medication and existing medical conditions
- legal documents such as access or custody agreements
- a proof of identity for you
If you need help with childcare assistance payments or childcare subsidies, we can also assist with this to help offset the cost of your childcare from the Ministry of Social Development.
If you could please pack a named bag with changes of clothes, as we love messy play; a warm hat for winter or a sunhat for summer; nappies, if you child needs these; a lunchbox full of yummy snacks and healthy food to last the day, and a named drink bottle with water.
Some children will settle in straight away, and others will take longer dependent on your needs. The team at Avonside have lots of experience with this, and will have suggestions about ways to help your child settle in.
Please make time to stay and play with your child during the settling visits to ensure they are becoming familiar with their new environment. Then spend short times away so that they know you are coming back. When they seem happy and settled at Avonside, We will be able to support you to leave your child for their booked hours.