Enrolment & General Info
At what age can my child start at Dunstan Educare?
We welcome tamariki from infants up to 6 years old. Our centre features specialized spaces tailored to different developmental stages, including our Koru Lounge for under-2s, alongside our Ruma Kea and Pūkeko rooms for older children.
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 and Fridays 8-4:30 . We recommend getting in touch with us directly if you need to discuss specific care schedules or full-day vs. part-day options.
How does the enrolment process work?
Enrolling your child is simple!
Book a Tour: We love meeting new families. Call us on 03 448 6164 or email us to arrange a time to visit our space at 25 Ngapara St, Alexandra.
Fill out an Enrolment Form: If you decide we are the right fit for your family, you can navigate to the enrol now page to go onto our wait list.
Transition Visits: We arrange short, complimentary transition visits before your child's official start date to help them settle comfortably into their new routine.
Costs & Subsidies
Do you offer the 20 Hours ECE subsidy?Yes, we do! Dunstan Educare fully supports the New Zealand Government’s 20 Hours ECE subsidy for all eligible children aged 3 to 5 years old. This subsidy significantly reduces childcare costs for families by funding up to 6 hours a day and a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Health & Daily Life
To ensure the safety of all tamariki in our care, Dunstan Educare operates a strict nut-free policy. We ask that no peanut butter, whole nuts, or food items containing nuts are brought into the centre. If your child has other severe allergies or dietary requirements, please let us know during enrolment so we can put a specialized care plan in place.
What should my child bring on their first day?
To keep your child comfortable throughout the day, please pack a bag with:
A complete change of clothes (clearly named).
A warm hat and jacket in the winter.
Nappies if your child requires them.