Nurturing Futures: Investing in Your Child's Early Years

Embarking on the journey of parenthood involves making pivotal decisions, and among them, choosing the right early childhood education for your tamaiti (child) stands as a paramount step. At Four Seasons, we understand that entrusting another with the nurturing of your tamaiti is an important choice. We passionately believe that investing in your child's early years is an investment in their future. Our fee policy is designed not only to offer quality education built on the foundations of the Steiner Waldorf approach, but also to cultivate meaningful connections between tamariki (children), whānau (families), and our teaching team.

Enrolment Fee:

To secure a spot for your child, we have an enrolment fee of $50, payable upon confirmation of space. This fee ensures that your child's place is reserved, marking the commencement of a warm welcome into our community.

Age-Appropriate Fees:

For tamariki under 3 years old, the daily fee is $57.00 for a 6-hour day. For children aged 3-6 years, an optional charge of $15.00 per day applies, utilising the 20 hours funded by the Ministry of Education. This charge covers all meals, parent education, seasonal festival celebrations, the unique Steiner Waldorf special character, and maintains an advantageous adult-to-child ratio of 1:7. Four Seasons Kindergarten is a member of Steiner Education Aotearoa New Zealand. A minimum enrolment of 3 days per week is required for all tamariki, fostering a sense of belonging and rhythm within the kindergarten day.

Benefits of Optional Charges:

The additional $15.00 per day significantly enhances your child's learning experience, enabling us to maintain smaller group sizes and provide all meals. Growing, harvesting, preparing, and eating daily meals together as a group, are an important part of our philosophy. This fosters a personalized and intimate atmosphere, where each child and family receive individualized attention, promoting social, emotional, and physical well-being. Should this optional charge prove to be a barrier to enrolment, please connect with us so we may work toward a solution of inclusion.

Ministry of Education Funding:

All tamariki aged 3, 4, and 5 years are eligible for 20 hours funded by the Ministry of Education. This funding not only makes quality education accessible but also allows us to craft a curriculum tailored to the specific needs and interests of each child. Notably, at present, the Ministry does not fully fund 2-year-olds in our space (hence the higher cost for 2-year-olds to attend).

Additional Charges for Extended Hours:

For families requiring more than the 20 funded hours, a charge of $7.00 per enrolled hour ensures a comprehensive and holistic learning experience for your child.

Bush Kindy Programme:

For those enrolled on days when our Bush Kindy program runs, an additional charge (approx. $12 per session) applies. This nature-based initiative offers a unique opportunity for children to connect with the environment, fostering a sense of stewardship and a love for nature.

Casual Attendance:

For families with unpredictable schedules, casual attendance outside normal enrolment is available at $57.00 per day (space permitting). This may be less if you have ECE hours left to use outside your regular enrolment, providing flexibility for parents to balance work commitments with their child's educational needs.

At Four Seasons, we believe that every tamaiti deserves to be nourished in an early childhood environment that is homelike. Our fee policy is structured not only to cover educational costs but also to create an environment where your child can be nurtured by the Steiner Waldorf approach. By investing in their early years, we collectively shape a brighter future for our tamariki and whānau – fostering a generation of confident, well-rounded individuals ready to embrace the years ahead.

An example of fees and optional charges:

2-year-olds: 3-day enrolment is $171 per week

2-year-olds: 4-day enrolment is $228 per week

2-year-olds: 5-day enrolment is $285 per week

3, 4, and 5-year-olds: 3-day enrolment is $45.00 per week

3, 4, and 5-year-olds: 4-day enrolment is $88 per week

3, 4, and 5-year-olds: 5-day enrolment is $145 per week

Nb. Correct as of November 2023 and subject to change as per our fee and enrolment policy.