Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about our childcare and early learning centre in Howick

Does my child have to do a full day?

We offer three half day sessions for children under 3 years of age.

What are the staff qualifications?

All our staff are registered ECE and Montessori teachers.

What is the difference between Montessori and Free Play?

The Montessori classroom is a ‘prepared environment’, based on child development and designed to offer activities that match the emerging needs of all children. Materials across different curriculum areas are set on
low shelves and easily accessible to children.

It is a calm well ordered environment that encourages a lot of movement and activity. Children are free to choose and work on activities at their own pace. Here, they experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline, as guided by the environment.

What if I am late picking up my child?

We appreciate a phone call if you are going to be late. There is a late penalty fee of $5 per every 5 minutes (or part thereof) of late collection.

Do I need to provide Lunch?

Yes, we provide morning tea and there are food preparation activities where children can eat what they have prepared

What if my child is sick?

Children must be kept away from preschool if they are sick. If they have had vomiting/diarrhea they must not return until 48 hours has lapsed since the last incident.

What if my child is still in nappies?

Not a problem if your child joins us and is still in nappies we will support them when they are ready to transition from nappies to underwear. Nappies will be changed regularly throughout the day.

What if I want to take a holiday?

Every child is entitled to 10 days leave per year to be taken in one week blocks and to be confirmed in writing. Additional leave up to a maximum of 4 weeks inclusive of the 10 days leave will be charged at 50%. Any holidays over 4 weeks will require full payment of fees.

We'd love to show you around our preschool centre in Howick

Come and meet the team, talk to our centre manager, say hi to the kids and see first hand why we’re different. We’re more than happy to take you on a guided tour around the centre. You can book in your visit now, just click on the button below and choose a time and day to suit you. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Feedback from our parents

We knew that The Children's Corner was the right pre-school for our son from the moment we walked in for our visit and now our daughter has also joined. No matter if it's the environment or the teachers it made us feel welcome and part of the family. All the teachers are passionate and caring and goes above and beyond for the children, nurturing them, guiding them and stimulating them to reach their full potential. The children are learning the important values of respect, care, politeness, confidence and independence during their time at school, and this will be an important foundation for them as they grow older. We love how all the teachers are constantly communicating with us on the children's progress whether it is their learning or emotional wellbeing. They genuinely care for each child as well as our whole family. Our children look forward to going to school each day and come home each day fulfilled and happy. They often surprise us with what they have learnt at school (knowing the names of the planets to singing days of the week in maori). As parents we are continuing to learn how to raise our children and the teachers at The Children's Corner provide wonderful support to us which I can never thank them enough.

Charlie has been attending the Children’s corner for close to a year now. We chose the Children’s Corner as it is a small preschool with fantastic teachers who have all been there a long time. We love the Montessori approach and Charlie has come so far since he started at the Children’s Corner. I am blown away with everything he has learnt in such a short time and it is wonderful to see his confidence building. Charlie loves coming to preschool which makes drop offs fantastic and we feel 100% happy as we know he is always in such good hands. The teachers are fantastic, always warm and welcoming, we can’t recommend the Children’s Corner enough.

We had never really heard much about Montessori before we visited children's corner but I knew it was the perfect environment for my son the moment we visited. The Montessori philosophy has nurtured his independence and confidence in leaps and bounds. We will forever be grateful to the teachers who have supported Quinn's development. But more than anything we feel like the teachers at TCC are our extended family who care so deeply for all the kids and have created a safe, caring and fun environment. As a parent I feel supported and happy knowing that Quinn is thriving under the Montessori teachings and have also enrolled our youngest to start next year. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the children's corner to any parent wanting to give their child a great start in Montessori