Qualified Kaiako

Little Blue Penguin Preschool and Nursery Prestons; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive team

Unhurried learning environment

Collaborative teaching

Job summary

Little Blue Penguin Preschool and Nursery Prestons Canterbury is seeking a qualified kaiako to join our small, relationship-focused centre. This full-time, permanent position is based with our over-2s group, working across a mixed-age setting with a Te Whāriki framework.

You will bring NZ ECE registration, warmth, reliability, and a collaborative approach to learning. We value respectful practice, calm environments, and meaningful learning experiences for tamariki every day.

Qualifications

• NZ ECE registration is required.
• Experience in a mixed-age setting is preferred.
• Understanding Te Whāriki and quality early childhood practice is essential.

Responsibilities

• Work primarily with the over-2s group in a mixed-age centre.
• Build meaningful relationships with tamariki and kaiako.
• Contribute to responsive, caring, and learning-focused daily routines.

Skills

Registered ECE teacher

Job description

Little Blue Penguin Preschool and Nursery Prestons Canterbury

Qualified Kaiako

Full time, Permanent

Early learning / kōhanga reo, Certificated teacher
Belonging / Mana Whenua, Contribution / Mana Tangata, Communication / Mana Reo, Exploration / Mana Aotūroa, Well-being / Mana Atua

At Little Blue Penguin, we are a small, relationship-focused centre where tamariki are at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on creating a calm, respectful environment that feels like a home away from home, with a strong emphasis on connection, care, and meaningful learning experiences across our mixed-age setting.
We are looking for a passionate and reliable full time kaiako to join our team. We are a mixed aged centre but this position will be based with our over 2's.
We are also looking for a qualified reliever to join our team on a casual basis.
About the role
While this role is primarily based with our over-twos, we are a mixed-age centre and value teachers who are confident and capable of working across all age groups. We are seeking a passionate, adaptable educator with a strong understanding of Te Whariki and the key guiding documents that underpin quality early childhood practice. You will be committed to building meaningful relationships, creating responsive learning experiences, and contributing positively to a collaborative teaching team.
Must be able to work a mix of shifts between 730am-530pm Monday- Friday.

What we’re looking for

• A current ECE teaching registration in New Zealand
• Confidence working within a mixed-age environment
• A warm, respectful, and responsive approach to tamariki
• Someone who builds strong relationships quickly with both tamariki and kaiako
• Reliability and flexibility with availability

What we offer

• A supportive, close-knit team
• A centre that values respectful practice and unhurried learning
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced and passionate kaiako

If you’re someone who can walk in, connect, and make a positive difference in our day—we’d love to hear from you.

Little Blue Penguin Preschool and Nursery Prestons

Type: Education & Care Service
Maximum licenced places: 47

Physical address:
408 Prestons Road, Marshland, Christchurch