About Us

We are a small community based, mixed age whanau centre located at the rear of the High School grounds, off Carrington Avenue. We are close to the University of Waikato, Ruakura Research Centre, Waikato Innovation Park and close to Silverdale, Knighton and Hillcrest Primary schools. Our community is lucky enough to embrace a wide range of age groups, ethnic groups and socio-economic backgrounds.

We have highly qualified teachers from a variety of cultural backgrounds. We are licensed for 35 children with up to 8 under twos. Our team consist of six teachers and manager. We are also really lucky to have teachers in training who volunteer their hours at our centre.

We are working towards being a ZERO WASTE centre!

Philosophy

Here at Hillcrest Community Childcare, we provide a warm, loving and family-orientated environment. As a mixed aged centre, we have a strong sense of Ako (learning from one another) and Tuakana-Teina (older children and younger children working together). We strive to be respectful and inclusive of all cultures of our children, their families and whaanau.

We endeavour to develop the whole child, guided by Te Whare Tapa Wha model and Te Whaariki. We believe that each child and family is unique and therefore provide learning opportunities based on Parent aspirations and the child’s needs/interests.

We recognise the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We place high value on Katiakitanga- protecting and preserving our natural world.

What makes us unique

Non-Profit Community Childcare, any profit we make goes back into the centre!
Fully mixed age providing care from 3 months to 5 years- strong tuakana-teina and Ako practices.
We offer up to 30 hours (6 per day) free for 2, 3, 4 and 5 year olds
Re-usable Nappies provided (at a small cost)
Morning tea and late afternoon tea provided
Strong sense of belonging in a friendly, diverse environment.
Sustainability practice- taking care of papatuanuku.