Ko mātou tēnei
Learning, growing and thriving together
Little Darlings Childcare | Ngā Taonga Iti is a licensed early learning centre on Park Road, Rotorua, where tamariki are treasured as taonga and whānau are true partners in their learning.
Visits are welcome, just let us know a time that suits.
Ko wai mātou
A centre built around aroha and belonging
At Little Darlings Childcare | Ngā Taonga Iti, we are proudly nestled alongside our beautiful maunga, Ngongotahā, where tamariki are supported to learn, grow and thrive together in a nurturing environment grounded in aroha.
We believe our tamariki are taonga, treasured by their whānau and rich in knowledge shaped by their lived experiences and the wisdom of their tūpuna. Each child arrives with mana, and it is our role as kaiako to whakamana them, to build confidence, affirm individuality and support them to make choices and follow their own learning pathways through play.
Through strong relationships, whanaungatanga, we foster a deep sense of belonging, tūrangawaewae, where tamariki form meaningful friendships, show kindness and express themselves with confidence.
Our practice is guided by Te Whāriki, Te Ara Whānui and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In partnership with whānau, we value te ao Māori, celebrate diversity and embrace whānau tūmanako, the hopes and aspirations of each family.
Through intentional teaching and play based learning, we nurture curious, capable learners who grow social competence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.
At Little Darlings, we walk alongside our tamariki and whānau, building a strong foundation where every child is supported to spread their wings and soar.
Ko wai mātou
Nestled alongside our maunga
At Little Darlings Childcare | Ngā Taonga Iti, we are proudly nestled alongside our beautiful maunga, Ngongotahā, where tamariki are supported to learn, grow and thrive together in a nurturing environment grounded in aroha.
Ko Ngongotahā te maunga
Ngongotahā is the local mountain overlooking Rotorua.
Ko te whenua e poipoi nei i a mātou
The land that nourishes, fosters and cares for us all.
Ko Little Darlings te kāinga ako
Little Darlings is our nurturing home of learning and education.
Our vision
Belong. Grow. Soar.
Whai tūrangawaewae. E tipu. Ka rere.
To grow confident, capable and compassionate tamariki who know who they are, where they belong and that they have the wings to soar.
We want every tamaiti to feel valued, respected and empowered to become their best self: resilient, kind, responsible, respectful and confident in navigating life and change.
Our mission
How we help tamariki thrive
To whakamana tamariki through nurturing relationships, meaningful play, choice and strong partnerships with whānau.
We nurture, inspire and encourage every tamaiti to grow their knowledge, skills, confidence and social and emotional wellbeing, while supporting their whānau to feel valued, connected and encouraged in their dreams and aspirations.
Our points of culture
The promises our kaiako make every day
These are the behaviours whānau can hold us to, from the first visit through to the day your child heads off to school.
Belong
We create a safe, welcoming and inclusive place where everyone feels they matter.
Grow
We encourage curiosity, learning, independence and trying new things.
Soar
We believe in every tamaiti and encourage them to be confident, resilient and reach for their potential.
Nurture
We build warm, caring and respectful relationships with tamariki and whānau.
Inspire
We encourage children to explore, discover, dream and learn.
Respect
We listen, value differences, model kindness and treat everyone with dignity.
Encourage
We are cheerleaders for tamariki, celebrating their successes and supporting them through challenges.
Guide
We use positive guidance to help tamariki develop empathy, emotional wellbeing and social competence.
Connect
We build strong relationships and partnerships with tamariki, whānau and each other.
Lead by example
We are confident, respectful, cooperative and positive role models.
We create safety
We create a safe, secure and welcoming environment where tamariki, whānau and kaiako feel safe to be themselves.
Come and see us
The best way to know if we are right for your child
Bring your child along, meet the kaiako and see how the day feels. There is no obligation and no pressure.
Want to talk it through first? Call 027 420 4362 and speak to us directly.
Enrolments open
Come and see the centre for yourself
Tell us your child's age and the days you need. We will come back to you with what we have available and a time you can visit, with your child alongside you.