about us
Rainbow Early Childhood Centre is a small, family focused centre that prides itself on a family-like, relaxed and happy atmosphere. Being at Rainbow Early Childhood Centre is likened to being part of a big, happy family.
flexible hours
Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm,
Full day, morning and afternoon sessions are available.
small centre
We take children from 0-6 years, and are licensed for 40 children - including 14 children under 2 years.
great location
We are ideally located in Mark Street - a quiet cul-de-sac close to the town centre of Whangamata.
our program
At Rainbow Early Childhood Centre, our learning program is based on children’s interests and play urges. We believe that play is the foundation of learning. Through innate play urges (swinging, collecting, constructing, transporting to name a few) children learn the skills they need for life. Children at Rainbow Early Childhood Centre are encouraged to create, imagine and discover through child-led play.
learning portfolios
what makes us exceptional?
We firmly believe that children should be allowed to be children. They only get one chance and we are here to make that chance a positive one. We encourage children to develop a love of learning; it’s not as much about what they ‘know’ as knowing how to get answers.
Social competence is, in our view, one of the most important aspects of early childhood development. Positive relationships, smiles, love, hugs and knowing that they matter are some of the things we ensure children lucky enough to attend rainbow cottage are showered with on a daily basis.
Each child has an individual portfolio which documents their learning and development whilst at the centre. In addition to these folders (which are located within easy reach of the children at the centre and are also welcome to pay visits home) each learning story or portfolio entry is also loaded onto a secure web based site. This can be accessed via a password by anyone the family would like to give access to. Rainbow learning stories are beamed around New Zealand and across the world on a regular basis – much to the delight of family members who enjoy sharing these learning journeys. Not only does our online system give families 24 hour access to their child’s learning, it also provides a backup for these precious memories.
