Mt Eden Early Childcare Centre

Infant Toddler & Preschool

At the end of a cul-de-sac stands an old church building, which has been given a new lease of life heard in the children's voices and laughter which wander down the street. Throughout the day at Bear Park Mt Eden Childcare, the sound of the train is heard going by, one of the few hints that it is actually located on the periphery of the city; while the birds who live in the tall Puriri's chorus as if in the bush. The children's playgrounds that are tucked away beneath these sounds are a hidden space within the urban landscape.

An infant toddler centre and preschool reside in either side of the building, both being large open-plan areas which are welcoming to all children, parents and teachers, where the children have access to an environment which aims to stimulate their learning and creativity. Reused and recycled materials are valued, so we see the encounters of "waste" materials become the seed and driving force of group creations and investigations.

Our environments at Mt Eden childcare contribute to children's aesthetic sensibility and artistic ability, and can be explored and experienced with all the senses and inspires further investigations and learning; where children are encouraged to express their potential, abilities and curiosity. The natural environment intrigues us as we use our senses to explore the theories of nature.

We aim to create a community where adults and children experience a sense of connection and new possibilities for deeper levels of learning; to foster 'real' collaboration amongst the community of the centre – between children, parents, teachers and whanau.