Our kindergartens offer a child-led, learning through play philosophy that enables tamariki to grow at their own pace.
As partners of Te Tiriti o Waitangi we are committed to growing an environment that strengthens te ao Māori.
We teach our tamariki to be kaitiaki o te taiao, guardians of our natural environment.
Central Kids has 47 kindergartens in 26 towns across the central North Island, with a range of opening hours depending on the needs of the community they serve. Some are all ages kindergartens, enrolling tamariki from 0-6 years of age.
Find a kindergarten near you
Central Kids kindergartens benefit from being part of non-profit association that's dedicated to ensuring every tamaiti has access to early childhood education. Our board and leadership team provide direction and expertise to ensure our kindergartens thrive.
Meet the leadership team
Central Kids is a great place to start or grow your career in early learning, with opportunities for kaiako (teachers) at every level, tokotū whakahaere (administrators), kaiwhakaako (head teachers), social support, corporate services and leadership roles.
Join our team
Mātauranga Ake is the Central Kids social support team. The team provides free wrap around support and guidance for whānau, because we believe building strong foundations for whānau is key to giving tamariki the best start in life.
"Absolutely love being a part of the Charles Kindergarten family! My boy also loves going there each day, and is always sad when it’s the weekend and school is closed. The learning and playing ratio is perfect, and we are always supported in any way needed. I will always highly recommend to anyone we know in our area."