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Our kindergartensChanges to hours of operation
Changes to hours of operation

The AKA regularly monitors the roll numbers, age of entry, attendance levels and waiting list numbers at all kindergartens to ensure that the hours and structure of our operation meets the needs of the community; now and into the future. 

Where a kindergarten is operating at its full licence capacity, has a healthy waiting list, an acceptable age of entry and a positive long term projection, we would not envisage any change to the operational structure.  

The objective of the AKA is to provide a variety of options for families and the 'pure' sessional model still continutes to work well in a lot of communities.

If a kindergarten is identified as needing to be reviewed then the kindergarten staff are notified and discussion is initiated.  This may also involve increasing the marketing for the kindergarten to the community and notifying them of the concerns at hand and that a change of hours may need to occur in the future. 

Parents with children enrolled at the kindergarten, and those on the waiting list, will be involved in a consultation process regarding their preferred choice of operation under a new model.  One on one meetings with the Head Teacher and an opportunity to meet with management personnel will be provided as part of this process.  The estimated timing for the process, once a change is identified as needing to occur, is approximately 10 weeks.

If a change were to occur then we would be looking at offering a five day service of up to 6.5 hours per day for children, with a sessional component available, if the community feedback signals this.

The main aspects are:

  • the choice of a 6 hour or 6 ½ hour kindergarten day

AND one of the following (depending on the community need)

  • a  3 hour morning or afternoon session per day
  • a  4 hour session in the morning; for those children that do not wish to attend the full day

How will these changes affect my child on a day to day basis?

  • our  high quality educational programme will continue to operate
  • the current teachers will be staying at the kindergarten
  • there will be improved  quality adult to child ratio (ratio’s change from 1:15 to 1:10)
  • as some children will be there for a longer day the teachers will cater for a longer periods of uninterrupted play
  • transition plans (to assist children with full school days when they turn 5) will be enhanced
  • children who stay for the longer day will bring their lunch to eat at kindergarten
  • there will be a quiet space for children to have a rest


What will it cost to attend the kindergarten now?

  • If you have chosen this kindergarten to use your 20 Hours ECE subsidy that is paid by the Government then 20 hours of your child’s attendance is free.  Please note that this policy is available for children aged 3 years and over. 
  • The fee, outside the 20 Hours ECE, is $4.00 per hour and is payable two weeks in advance.
  • No optional charge will be requested.
  • If you meet the eligibility criteria for WINZ you can access a subsidy to help meet your costs.  The kindergarten has further information and a WINZ Co-Ordinator who can answer your queries.

If you require further information please contact the Auckland Kindergarten Association on 373 5635, email info@aka.org.nz or click here.


If you would like to enrol your child, you will need to complete a waiting list form.  You are welcome to do this at the centre, or alternatively you may wish to complete the form prior to visiting the centre by using the download below.

For more information on the kindergartens who have recently extended their hours of operation, click on the 'kindergarten name' below.

 

Are other Kindergarten Associations offereing the longer day model?

Yes.  Over the last six years or so, all Kindergarten Associations throughout the country have diversified to offer a variety of models to their families.  The networking group that the AKA is directly affiliated to, Early Childhood Leadership Group, offers the following:

Counties Manukau Kindergarten Asssociation

  • 18 school day, 7 sessional and 1 long day  

Waikato Kindergarten Association 

  • 12 extended sessional, 17 school day (6.5 hours) and 4 full day

Central North Island Kindergarten Association

  • 44 Kindergartens operating 6 hours for 4 days and 4.25 hours one day each week
  • 2 kindergartens operating 4 morning sessions, 3 afternoon sessions and one 6 hour day each week
  • 3 kindergartens operating 5 morning sessions and 4 afternoon sessions each week
  • 8 early learning centres operating full day 7:30am – 5:30pm

www.ecleadership.org.nz

The other national kindergarten group, NZ Kindergartens, has over 30 different models in operation, including the traditional three afternoons and five mornings.

www.nzkindergartens.org.nz

 

To view the frequently asked questions, click here.

To view a selection of positive comments regarding the changes to hours of operation, click here.

To view the frequently asked questions specific to Northcote Kindergarten, click here.
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