The AKA offers two types of kindergarten services.

'Sessional' Kindergarten

Children attending a sessional kindergarten start in the afternoon session, attending three sessions per week, and transition through to five mornings sessions per week, in age appropriate order.  The sessions are generally three hours; however the number of essions and hours varies from kindergarten to kindergarten.

'Kindergarten Day Model' Kindergarten

A 'kindergarten day' kindergarten offers full day sessions (either six or six and a half hours), and in some kindergartens a shorter session (three or four hours) is also offered.  You have the flexibility to choose the hours and days your child attends.

Enrolling

We encourage parents to enrol their child at their local kindergarten at approximately two years of age.  Unlike schools our kindergartens are not zoned and therefore you can enrol your child at the kindergarten of your choice.  It is a good idea to visit several of our kindergartens, talk with the teaching team and experience the centre in action before you decide which best suits your child and family needs.  Additionally, you may like to read the Education Review Office’s report on the kindergarten which is available at the kindergarten or online at www.ero.govt.nz.  When you enrol your child, the teachers will ask you to complete a Waiting List Form.

The age that your child starts at kindergarten will differ across each kindergarten.  Children in a ‘sessional’ kindergarten will start in the afternoon sessions first and will transition through to mornings in age appropriate order.  In a ‘kindergarten day’ kindergarten, you have the flexibility to choose the hours and days your child attends.

Your child will start kindergarten as vacancies occur when other children leave to go to school.  When a space becomes available for your child, the kindergarten will contact you and let you know when your child will be able to start.  You will then be required to complete an Enrolment Form which contains all the essential information about your child that the teachers will need to know for while your child is at kindergarten.

Please inform the kindergarten of any change of your contact details (phone or address) or, if you no longer wish to be on the waiting list.

NB: Your child may only be enrolled at one kindergarten within the AKA.

Funding and Cost to Attend

The AKA receives funding from the Ministry of Education based on the number of enrolled children.  The majority of this funding is used to pay teachers’ salaries with Head Office infrastructural support also being provided.  In addition, the Ministry of Education provides funding for up to a further 20 Hours ECE per week for children aged 3 years and over.  (AKA has extended this to children aged 2 years and over.)  This funding is based on the national average cost to provide the minimum level of service that is required by the Regulations.

For the AKA, the subsidy is not sufficient to meet the high quality education that we provide, so a contribution is required from parents.  Each kindergarten, in consultation with Head Office sets an annual budget to purchase resources, equipment and to assist with the maintenance of the kindergarten.

If you are interested in reading the Ministry of Education’s Parent Information Pack you will find a copy in your kindergarten’s library or a copy of this information can be accessed from the website below or by contacting Liz Soma at Head Office on 09 300 8491.

If you have any further queries please talk to your Head Teacher.

Cost to Attend
We rely on every kindergarten parent’s contribution to operate our kindergartens and maintain and enhance the quality of education and care that your child receives.  If you choose to use your 20 Hours ECE with another service or are enrolled for more than 20 hours per week, you will be invoiced for the time your child is enrolled at kindergarten each day.  The cost to attend your kindergarten will be provided by the teaching team. 

NB: AKA provides 20 Hours ECE per week to children aged 2 years and over.




To request a comprehensive information pack covering everything you need to know about kindy, click here.