The focus on family and the holistic approach to nurturing tamariki in all areas – physical emotional, social, and spiritual – are reasons Carmen and her husband value Eden Cottage and the time their son spends there.
“I like that Eden Cottage is faith led but it’s more than that. There is a real holistic approach to nurturing tamariki with a focus on physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. Other centres we’ve seen are well run but very commercial. Eden Cottage is very professionally run but, at the same time, it feels like home. I guess that’s why my son settled so quickly and so well. There wasn’t even a transition period for us, he just blended in right away.”
Carmen feels like her story needs a disclaimer – she is employed by Visionwest, but that’s not the only reason she and her husband send their son along to Eden Cottage, Visionwest’s Early Childhood Education Centre.
“My son was in another centre. It was a good centre, but he wasn’t really settling there so I thought it made sense to have him here close to me. I know the Eden Cottage teachers and so I thought this is the best possible situation for us. I bring him to Eden Cottage and then I continue with my day before picking him up at the end of the day. What’s best, though, is that I know he’s happy, mixing with great kids, and getting a great pre-school education.”
Carmen understands that finding the right place for a child’s early education is a big decision for parents but is adamant that anyone looking for a kindergarten that offers a calm, homely environment and a fun yet safe space that’s welcoming and nurturing, should check out Eden Cottage.
She often catches up with another Visionwest staff member who also has a child at Eden Cottage and they agree, it’s not only the convenience that makes the centre the best place for their children. It’s all the extras; for instance, alongside great teaching the children enjoy special cultural days where they learn dances and songs and taste ethnic foods. The Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Christmas Time performances are also highlights of the year.