This centre serves the students and staff of Manukau Institute of Technology and some children from the local community are accepted, spaces permitting. There is a strong demand for places and the waiting list currently exceeds one year. The centre is operated under the umbrella of the Manukau Institute of Technology and is part of Student Affairs.  It caters for 25 under two-year-old children and 40 over two-year-olds.

Open:  Monday to Friday 7.45am- 5.00pm.  Closed 5 weeks during the Christmas vacation. Open during the school term breaks. The centre may close for one to two days for staff professional development activities during school holidays

Minimum and Maximum Hours of Enrolment:  The minimum hours a child may attend per week are 4 and the maximum are 46 hours.

Address: NE Block, North Campus, Gate 11, Manuakau Institute of Technology,  Otara Rd, Otara, Auckland

Online:  -

Children with Disabilities:   Ramps are provided throughout the centre for children who may need physical assistance. Staff work closely with specialised agencies to support children with special learning needs.

Children with Medical Conditions:  All permanently employed teachers at the centre hold current first aid certificates. When a child needs any prescribed medication parents are consult with regarding the dosage, time and procedure for administration.  Should a child need more care and consideration for his/her health condition, teachers are able to access training and support from the Institute's health nurse.

Gifted and Talented Children and Children with Special Learning Needs:  Manukau Institute of Technology Children’s Education Centre’s philosophy is based on the belief that each child and family is unique. Children learn by following their interest areas and the staff aim to provide opportunities and learning experiences to promote and enhance their knowledge.

Staff Gender:  All staff are women.

Languages Spoken by Staff Fluently:  English, Maori, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Samoan

Range of Different Qualifications held by Staff:

• Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Education Primary Teaching
• Graduate Diploma of Education
• Post Graduate Diploma Specialising in Literacy (will be completed in November, 2010) 

Parent Say:  The Manukau Institute’s Council is legally responsible for the centre. A collaborative approach is taken when reviewing service policies, including families, teachers and management. Family opinions are seriously considered by management. Consultation of any changes to fee structure takes place six months prior to implementation. This provides opportunity for dialogue about the rationale for any increase.

Grouping Practices:  

• There is a separating wall between the babies room and the toddlers indoor play area. However, the separating wall is low and communication between siblings and teachers is freely accessible.
• The centre for over two-year children has two large rooms which are open and accessible for all children over two years. Children over the age of two years are not separated during the day except for rest periods. Primary qualified teachers are assigned for the different age groups. Although all teachers contribute to the children’s portfolios, the primary qualified teachers lead the assessment and planning for their group and children within their group.
• The centre partners with a local school so near five year old children spend a morning each week in the new entrant classroom.

Features Manukau Institute of Technology Children’s Education Centre Say They Are Proud Of: 

1. Our Children

• The children in our centre represent many different cultures and this is reflected in many aspects of the centre environment with a strong sense of belonging for children and families.
• Children are encouraged to use positive conflict resolutions and behaviour expectations are high.
• The children are all confident and capable learners.

2. The Indoor Environment

• The centre places high value in supporting children’s literacy. Writing materials and books are placed both indoors and outdoors throughout the centre. The home library service fosters a home-centre partnership for emerging literacy opportunities.
• Our latest Education Review Office Report (June 2010) described the environment as vibrant, aesthetically pleasing and stimulating.
• The indoor environment is well resourced and includes natural materials.

3.  The Outdoor Environment

We are very proud of our spacious natural outdoor environment. This provides wonderful opportunities for physical activity, for exploration and for working with natural science, such as the children’s edible garden.