YMCA
Early Learning Centre

at the YMCA Bishopdale Recreation Centre

Covid-19 – LOCKDOWN FAQs

When can my children return to the centre?
Our preschool will be open for all children under Level 2.

I am an essential worker. Can my children attend in Level 3?
Yes, we have special dispensation to provide childcare to the children of essential workers under Level 3 restrictions.

What resources can I access online?
Our teachers are continuing to engage with the children and provide learning resources online via Storybook. You can also find videos and other resources on our Facebook page, Early Learning Centre – YMCA Christchurch.

Do I need to continue to pay fees?
There will be no fees charged for children staying at home during Level 3 closure, and no fees charged during Level 4 closure.

Our children, parents and whanau come first and we strive to provide a welcoming, supportive and loving environment for all. We offer high teacher to child ratios with a fun, experienced and passionate team of early childhood teachers.

Our Nursery is licensed for 10 children under two years old, and our Preschool for up to 30 children. Our children are empowered to take risks, explore and develop their sense of belonging while making use of our spacious indoor and outdoor facilities.

To find out how you can join our YMCA family, contact us today and arrange a time to visit, or pop in if you are out and about.

We look forward to meeting you and your family and contributing to the magical memories that help shape your child into the superstar they are destined to become!

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday

8am – 4:30pm

Our Philosophy

Our Core Purpose

Investing in the Next Generation

Our Values

Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty

Tamariki – Children

Through strong relationships and whānaungatanga (being able to relate to others), tamariki develop a sense of belonging and they feel safe, secure and confident in their tuhura (discovery) of the world around them.
Through scaffolding tamariki independence via a wide range of activities and experiences, tamariki develop rangatiratanga (the ability to manage oneself) and their hauora (mind, body and spirit).
E whakapono ana mātau ki te mana, ki te miharo a te tamaiti, ki a tātau tamariki – We believe in the power and wonder of the child, our tamariki.

Whānaungatanga – Partnerships

We value parents and whānau as first teachers of their tamariki and respect their beliefs, culture and aspirations.
We see the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and what this partnership means.
Through strong, reciprocal relationships and mana reo (communication) with whānau and tamariki, we support the development of manawaroa (resilience) and whakaoti rapanga (problem solving) for all tamariki.

Ahurea – Culture

We provide an inclusive environment through the use of te reo Māori, tikanga and providing tamariki with the opportunity to learn and develop respect for both parties of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We embrace cultural diversity through our environment, languages, resources and relationships.
We encourage tuhura (discovery) through an environment that is warm and inviting and replicates the home environment.

Kaiako – Teachers

We are committed to ongoing professional learning and support for all kaiako.
We employ and support qualified kaiako and kaiako in training to ensure the best learning outcomes and care for our tamariki.
Kaiako are seen as role models who know each tamaiti well and therefore have the ability to empower all tamariki.

Kātahi anō ka tuku tātau ki te hanga i tētahi tūāpapa mo te aroha tūturu o te akoranga

Finally, we are committed to building a foundation for a lifelong love of learning

Mind Body Spirit

Our weekly Mind Body Spirit programme is unique to the YMCA Early Learning Centre.

We are able to utilise all the facilities we have onsite at the YMCA Recreation Centre, which provide your children recreational opportunities not normally and routinely available at other Centres.

Every week we run gymnastics in our spacious stadium, play ripper rugby at the adjoining park, and have dance in our dance studio, all at no extra charge! Enquire with us about which days these programmes run on.

Our Team

Janene Prendergast
Manager

I have been working in early childhood since 2002, graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood) in 2007. Since then I have held both team leader in the nursery, over two classes and Centre Manager roles.
I hold a sound, up-to-date knowledge of how children learn and develop. I trust and empower our teaching team to continually work together to develop meaningful partnerships with each other and you, our parents and whānau. I am committed to providing quality care and education in a fun and stimulating environment which promotes continuous improvement for children to succeed in a forever changing world.

Laurelle Whitwell
Assistant Manager

Kia ora! I have been working in early childhood for 13 years and have worked with all ages. There is nothing that quite beats the feeling of supporting our tamariki as they discover the world around them. I enjoy supporting tamariki to learn and build knowledge by using play and their interests as a vessel for learning. I love to use open-ended, natural resources that allow tamariki to extend their imagination and creative skills. I grew up rurally so have a passion for ensuring that our tamariki get to explore and connect with nature as much as possible!

Mel Gebbie
Teacher

I have been teaching for nearly 14 years now, and have loved every moment. My favourite things to do with ngā tamariki/the children are to read books, dance and create awesome things with Lego. In my personal life, my favourite things to do are to sew myself something fabulous to wear, read books and go out on the water with my paddleboard.
When supporting your tamariki to grow and learn, I will be encouraging them to try their best at a variety of activities and experiences. I will get to know them each as individuals and recognise the uniqueness that each one possesses. I am very excited to get to know ngā tamariki and their whānau and I can’t wait for the exciting times ahead.

Annie Zhong
Teacher

In 2006 I immigrated to Christchurch from Guangzhou, China. I have a NZ graduate diploma in teaching and learning in both primary and early childhood education, and I also have over 9 years of experience working with children under 3 years. I’m passionate about working with young children and regard it as a dream job! I value family cultures and values, and I see working in partnership with parents and whanau as vital to children’s learning and development. I believe that children learn by actively engaging in the learning environment and through responsive and reciprocal relationships and interactions. Therefore I endeavor to provide a welcoming, respectful, inviting and stimulating environment for our children to explore at their own pace. I live with my husband Jonny, and in my spare time I like playing badminton, walking, exploring new technology, and learning new concepts, ideas and languages.

Echo Wu
Teacher

I gained my graduate diploma in early childhood education here in New Zealand. I love photography, travel, snowboard, painting and all things that are full of challenges and new ideas. I like to see the smiles of tamariki and use photos to record every precious and unique moment in their lives. I respect everyone’s cultural background and beliefs, and encourage them to continue to actively explore this beautiful world and develop their interests. I believe that every child shines, and I enjoy providing all tamariki with suitable learning resources, and I pride myself in creating an inviting environment to support their growth.

Testimonials

Fantastic home away from home Early Learning Centre. Kind, caring qualified teachers who know your child well and cater to their needs. Small numbers, so children get lots of quality care and play-based learning experiences. Many community outings to the library and nearby playgrounds.

Able to use the facilities and instructors at the YMCA . Great to be able to take part in gymnastics, ripper rugby and many other confidence boosting activities, or just have a run and play in the gym on a cold, wet day.

Children can help with food preparation and get many opportunities for messy play and exploration. The Centre encourages theme days (discos, wheels day, Matariki), where children can dress up or bring something from home.
Helen Johnson

Where to even start! The Y is simply incredible and our kids have been so lucky to have the most amazing experiences – soccer and ripper rugby, dance class, gymnastics and visits to the library. All regular (most weekly) and it makes this such a unique ECE. It’s completely unheard of anywhere else.

Our son is now at school, but he thrived with soccer on Wednesdays with Paul. Our 3 year old loves visiting the library, baking and seeing Michaela for dance. She’s also gained so much confidence at the Tuesday gymnastics sessions.

I really can’t sing the Y’s praises enough – truly. The teachers really care and they are an extension of our family.
Fallon King

I can’t recommend this nursery and preschool enough! Their amazing teachers create a nurturing, respectful, diverse, imaginative environment for every child (and their family). Our son loves being part of this tamariki and the wide range of activities they get up to. The teachers’ focus on meeting the individual child at his/hers level and supporting their cognitive, social and behavioral development in a positive and kind manner that is truly heartwarming. The fact that the children regularly get to use many of the YMCA’s facilities for gymnastics, dance, yoga, football etc is an added bonus!
Lena Reid

I absolutely love YMCA Early Learning Centre, and recommend it to everyone I know. The teachers are so caring and supportive. My daughter who is very shy has come out of her shell so much since starting here. It was stressful finding a new kindy when we moved to Christchurch but everyone here has become like family, highly recommend!
Louwren Kloppers

My two children are quite new to the YMCA Early Learning Centre, but already I have noticed how much their holistic development and all around social growth has improved. They are so comfortable with their new learning environment, they have endless stories, the teachers are bubbly and outgoing, and I have noticed them coming down to the children’s level – which is beautiful to see.

After previous preschool experiences, I would highly recommend the YMCA Early Learning Centre.
Emily Callaghan