Since 1908, the Auckland Kindergarten Association Ngā Tamariki Puāwai o Tāmaki has been inspiring young minds by encouraging them to explore their imaginations through play.

For many of us, kindergarten was where we began our life of learning; it was where we started learning skills like sharing, tolerance, patience, respect and self-confidence.

The kindergarten philosophy encourages child-initiated, play-based experiences. Children make their own learning choices, observe, explore and problem-solve at their own pace with the support of teachers, whānau and each other.

Kindergarten teachers nurture children’s interests and natural curiosity by working alongside them, expanding language and introducing mathematical and science concepts, as well as literacy, digital technology and sustainable practices.

Kindergarten translates to ‘the children’s garden’. This recognises the importance of learning in nature. AKA kindergartens have large gardens and natural outdoor spaces where children can create, explore, be imaginative and expressive. There’s plenty of room to safely run about, being imaginative and physically active.

Each kindergarten is unique in so many ways. We have over 100 different ethnicities across our network of kindergartens. This diversity is respected and celebrated, enriching the learning opportunities for everyone. With AKA, children are supported to feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

Each kindergarten’s environment and history also influences the experience. Kindergarten teaching teams work to understand the history of place, enhancing the sense of belonging. Exploring and connecting with the local environment and community is also important. Excursions to local farms, beaches, bush reserves, schools and community facilities help children connected to and make sense of the world around them.

AKA has 45 Enviroschools (growing every year) that are committed to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki connect with and explore the environment and take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities.

As an organisation, we formally acknowledge the dual heritage of Aotearoa / New Zealand, and work to uphold the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in each kindergarten. We are accessible, secular and welcoming to all tamariki and whānau who attend our kindergartens.

We value ongoing learning for teachers, parents and whānau, and the sharing of knowledge, skills and attributes is fundamental to achieving the best learning outcomes for children. Teachers and staff can access collegial professional time to ensure that quality practice is enhanced so current theories of learning and development within New Zealand’s world-class Te Whāriki early childhood curriculum are shared and understood.

Children in our kindergartens have the opportunity to:

• Feel confident, develop responsibility and a sense of independence
• Play meaningfully alongside other children and adults
• Develop effective communication skills
• Persevere, problem-solve and take risks
• Explore limits, boundaries, routines and conflict resolution strategies
• Practice fine motor skills such as threading, writing, cutting and grasping
• Develop gross motor play such as physical games like climbing, throwing, kicking, balancing and lifting
• Develop creative expressions through painting, music, collage, movement, dance, finger-painting, drawing, cutting, pasting and story sharing
• Develop early numeracy, literacy and science skills
• Learn techniques through trial and error
• Explore the world through experimenting, questioning and curiosity
• Develop confidence and celebrate both attempts and successes
• Develop a passion for learning and a love of life
• Have fun!

Older children will be supported in their transition to school to make this process as simple and seamless as possible. You can get in touch with your local kindergarten or find out more about us.