Parent information
Parent information for whānau starting at Little Darlings
We’ll make starting at Little Darlings simple and reassuring, from enrolment and settling in to what to bring and what your child’s day will look like.
Have a question or need to know something we haven’t covered? Just ask. We’re always happy to help.
Enrolment
Four steps from first enquiry to first day
No paperwork ambush, no pressure. You will know what happens at every stage.
Send an enquiry
Tell us a little about your child and the days you’re looking for. We’ll get back to you within one working day with our current availability and the next steps.
Visit the centre
Come and explore Little Darlings with your child, meet our kaiako and ask us anything. Take your time and see if we feel right for your whānau. 💛 No pressure. Just come and meet us.
Confirm your place
We send an enrolment pack and a written fee estimate with any funding you qualify for already applied.
Settle in gently
We’ll settle in at a pace that feels right for you and your tamaiti, making sure you both feel safe, happy and comfortable from the start.
The practical stuff
How the everyday parts work
Drop off and pick up
Sign in and out each day, and let us know if someone different is collecting your child.
What to pack
Named spare clothes appropriate for the weather, and a lunchbox.
If your child is unwell
Please keep them home with a temperature, vomiting or a contagious illness, and tell us what it is so we can let other whānau know.
Photos and privacy
Photos of your child are only used with your written permission. You can change that at any time.
Settling in
Start slow, and let your child set the pace
Some tamariki are off and running on day one. Others need a fortnight of short visits. Both are completely normal.
- Visit together as many times as you need beforehand
- Tell us their routine, comfort words and favourite things
- Always say goodbye rather than slipping out
- Call us any time during the day for an honest update
Talk to us any time
If something is not working, tell us early. Small adjustments to a routine, a sleep time or a friendship usually fix it quickly.
FAQs
Questions whānau ask us most
What ages do you care for?
We welcome pēpi from infancy through to tamariki aged 5 years.
Do you have any spaces available?
Our spaces change throughout the year as tamariki grow and head off to school. Tell us your child’s age and the days you’re looking for, and we’ll let you know what’s currently available.
Where are you based?
You’ll find us at 23 Park Road, Rotorua, in a handy location close to a number of parks and outdoor spaces we enjoy exploring with our tamariki. Off-street parking makes drop-off and pick-up easy and stress-free for whānau.
Can we visit before we enrol?
Yes, we’d love you to! Bring your tamaiti along, meet our friendly kaiako, explore the indoor and outdoor spaces, and ask us anything you’d like to know. Take a look, have a chat and see how it feels for you and your tamaiti.
How do you settle a new child in?
You’re welcome to bring your child for as many short visits as they need before their first full day. We’ll take the time to get to know your child, build a trusting relationship and help them feel safe, happy and comfortable in their new surroundings.
What does a lunchbox centre mean?
We ask whānau to pack a lunchbox with the snacks and kai your tamaiti knows and enjoys. We’ve found this works really well because tamariki have familiar foods they’re comfortable with, and they also get to take ownership of their own lunchbox and make choices about what they eat. 💛 Familiar kai, growing independence and happy tummies.
Do you accept 20 Hours ECE and WINZ subsidies?
Yes. As a licensed early childhood service, 20 Hours ECE for three to five year olds and Work and Income childcare subsidies can be applied where your family is eligible. We will help you work out what you qualify for.
How is te ao Māori part of the day?
Ngā Taonga Iti is not a name we wear lightly. Te reo Māori, waiata, karakia and tikanga are woven into everyday moments rather than saved for a special session, so tamariki grow up hearing and using them naturally.
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.