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Community Ownership: Parents likely have a strong say in how the service operates and what happens to children, all money earnt stays within it, and teachers may be paid better and childcare charges may be lower compared to most (but not necessarily all) private and corporate owned services. (Ask: Is it an Incorporated Society? Does it also have charitable status?)
Small Boutique Centre: Centres with 50 or fewer children make it easier for staff to provide a warm and nurturing environment, for children to have their individual needs met and skills, knowledge, and competencies extended. (Ask: For continuity of care and relationships, do children stay with the same group of children and teachers throughout their time at the service?)
100% Qualified Teacher Funded: All staff counted toward meeting the minimum adult-child ratio requirement must hold a practising certificate as a teacher if the service receives this level of Ministry of Education funding.
(as at last year):
Men Included on Teaching Staff (as at last year): There are strong benefits of having both men and women on the teaching team for the quality of care and education a service provides to children. Additionally, gender bias in staff recruitment and employment is not generally acceptable in society today. (Ask: How many teaching staff are employed and what proportion are men?)
(last year and year before):
Clean Licence Record (last year and the year before): To be licensed a service must comply with regulations that help ensure children’s safety, care, and a suitable standard of education. When requirements are breached the Ministry of Education may downgrade a service’s licence to provisional or issue a suspension. Check the lists of services placed on a provisional or suspended licence https://oece.nz/public/information/standards/
Recommended Highly by 80% or More Families: The service is recommended by at least 80% of families, based on results from the independent OECE parent survey. To qualify, the survey must have a response rate of at least 51% of enrolled families and have been completed within the past three years.
1 Review on “Aoga Amata AAPICA Centre Avondale”
AAPICA is a Samoan Christian early childhood centre here in West Auckland. From my experience, the care, values, and teaching provided truly support each child to grow and thrive holistically. Children leave their final year at AAPICA with confidence and strong foundations across all areas—academic, physical, social, and emotional. It is clear that the centre nurtures not only learning, but also character, identity, and a sense of belonging. I have also heard consistently positive feedback from bilingual units at a local West Auckland primary school (where my children and friends attend). Teachers have shared how well-prepared AAPICA children are when they start school at age five. Their motor skills, cognitive development, and overall readiness are truly impressive. AAPICA is a beautiful example of a centre that uplifts culture, faith, and learning, while empowering tamaiti to reach their full potential. I Highly recommend to any whānau looking for a nurturing and high-quality early childhood environment.