About Co Kids Childcare

At Co Kids, we believe early childhood should be joyful, nurturing and full of discovery. Our purpose-built centre provides welcoming spaces where babies, toddlers and preschoolers feel safe, valued and inspired to learn.

For our youngest children, we draw on the RIE philosophy and the work of Emmi Pikler, with a focus on calm, respectful care. Teachers give children the time and freedom to move, explore and develop at their own pace. Everyday moments such as meals, nappy changes and rest times become meaningful opportunities to build trust, connection and confidence.

As children grow, our programme balances learning through play with more guided experiences. Teachers support children to develop creativity, independence, communication, problem-solving, early literacy and numeracy while encouraging their individual interests and strengths.

Strong relationships with families are at the heart of our approach. We value every child’s culture, language and identity and work closely with parents and whānau to create a welcoming community where every child feels known, understood and supported throughout their early learning journey..

Why Families Choose Co Kids Lincoln Road

A Large, Purpose-Built Centre

Our Lincoln Road centre was purpose-built for early childhood education and features four dedicated rooms, each designed around the needs and developmental stages of the children.

Babies and toddlers enjoy calm, nurturing spaces where they can explore safely and confidently. One entire side of the centre is dedicated to preschool children, creating a focused learning environment with plenty of room for play, creativity, group learning and preparation for school.

Spacious Outdoor Areas

Children have access to large, thoughtfully designed outdoor play areas with plenty of space to run, climb, explore and challenge themselves.

Separate outdoor environments allow younger children to play safely at their own pace while preschoolers enjoy more active and challenging experiences.

Outdoor learning is an important part of every day at Co Kids. It supports physical development, confidence, curiosity, problem-solving and a connection with the natural world.

Supporting a Positive Start

Starting childcare can be a big transition for both children and their families. Our teachers take the time to understand each child’s personality, routines, interests and individual needs.

We work closely with families to help children become familiar with their teachers and new environment at a pace that feels comfortable for them. Consistent routines, calm spaces and caring relationships help children develop a strong sense of security and belonging.

If your child speaks another language at home, our teachers will work with you to learn familiar words, routines and important information that may help them settle. We respect and encourage children’s home languages as an important part of their identity and sense of belonging.

Keeping Families Connected

Families receive regular updates about their child’s learning and development through Storypark, our secure online portfolio platform.

Parents can view learning stories, photographs and important milestones and share them with family members wherever they are.

We also hold parent-teacher meetings, family events and centre celebrations throughout the year. These opportunities allow families to get to know our teachers, discuss their child’s development, contribute to their learning and feel genuinely connected to the Co Kids community.

Excellent Teacher-to-Child Ratios

We aim to maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios during our peak learning times, allowing teachers to provide more individual attention, meaningful interaction and support:

• Under one: 1 teacher to 3 children

• One-year-olds: 1 teacher to 4 children

• Two-year-olds: 1 teacher to 6 children

• Three to five years: 1 teacher to 8 children

These ratios give our teachers more time to build strong relationships, respond to individual needs and extend each child’s learning.

Experienced and Qualified Teachers

Around 80% of our teachers are fully qualified, and many have been part of Co Kids for five years or longer.

This consistency helps children develop secure, trusting relationships and gives families confidence that their child is surrounded by experienced teachers who know them well.

Our culturally diverse teaching team reflects the Henderson community and speaks several languages, including te reo Māori and Mandarin. We value every family’s culture, language and traditions and work closely with parents to help each child feel known, understood and included.

Fresh Meals and Daily Essentials Included

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are freshly prepared each day by our onsite cook and included as part of your child’s day.

Our menu uses wholesome, seasonal ingredients, contains no refined sugar and caters for allergies, cultural preferences and other dietary requirements.

Nappies and wet wipes are also provided, giving families less to organise, pack and pay for.

Flexible Childcare Options

Families can choose from 6hour, 8hour and full-day sessions, with 20 Hours ECE available for children aged three and over.

We also offer a 10% sibling discount and can help families understand the financial support that may be available through FamilyBoost and the WINZ Childcare Subsidy.

A Dedicated Preschool Environment

One complete side of our purpose-built centre is dedicated to preschool children, giving them their own spacious classrooms, learning resources and large outdoor play area.

Our preschool programme gives children the freedom to explore their interests while teachers introduce activities that develop important skills.

Children build early literacy, numeracy, writing, communication and problem-solving skills through engaging projects, games, conversations and small-group learning.

This dedicated environment allows older children to take on new challenges, develop greater independence and become comfortable participating in more focused learning experiences while continuing to enjoy the creativity and freedom of learning through play.

Preparing Your Child for School

Starting school is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel like a big change for children and their families. Our transition-to-school programme helps children take this next step feeling confident, capable and ready to learn.

Children develop early literacy and numeracy through enjoyable, age-appropriate activities. They explore letters and sounds, practise early writing, enjoy books and storytelling, learn to count and build problem-solving skills through everyday play.

Being ready for school is about much more than knowing letters and numbers. We also help children learn how to:

• Look after their belongings and personal needs

• Listen and take part in group activities

• Follow instructions and familiar routines

• Express their ideas and ask for help

• Work, play and share with others

• Keep trying when something feels difficult

• Feel confident in a new environment

We work closely with parents and whānau, sharing each child’s progress and discussing any questions or concerns about starting school.

Our goal is for every child to leave Co Kids with a love of learning, growing independence and the confidence to begin school positively.

Dedicated Spaces for Babies and Toddlers

Our younger children have their own calm, secure rooms and spacious outdoor environment, separate from the faster pace of the preschool area.

Our approach is inspired by RIE and the work of Emmi Pikler, with a strong focus on calm, respectful care. Teachers explain what is happening, listen to each child and give them time to move, explore and develop at their own pace.

Everyday moments such as meals, nappy changes and settling to sleep are treated as important opportunities for communication, trust and connection.

Children are supported by consistent teachers who take the time to understand their individual routines, interests and needs.