Kindergarten or Privately Owned Daycare: What’s Best for Your Child?
Choosing the right early childhood education (ECE) provider is a big decision for parents. In New Zealand, two common options are kindergartens and privately owned daycare centres. While kindergartens are often seen as the "gold standard," there are many misconceptions about how they compare to privately owned ECE centres like Little Dinosaurs. Let’s break down the key differences and debunk some common myths.
1. Flexibility & Operating Hours
Kindergarten: Typically operates on a sessional basis (e.g., morning or afternoon sessions) and often follows school terms, meaning closures during holidays. This can make it difficult for working parents who need full-day care.
Privately Owned ECE Centre: At Little Dinosaurs, we offer extended hours (8 AM – 5 PM) to accommodate families with busy schedules. We also provide the option of longer or shorter days to suit both the child’s needs and the parents’ circumstances. Our year-round operation ensures continuity in your child’s learning and routine.
2. Curriculum & Learning Approach
Kindergarten: Follows Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s ECE curriculum, with a strong play-based learning philosophy. However, due to shorter hours, activities can sometimes feel rushed.
Privately Owned ECE Centre: We also follow Te Whāriki but with more time to deeply engage in learning experiences. At Little Dinosaurs, we integrate music, art, and nature-based play, providing a well-rounded foundation that nurtures creativity and confidence. Our focus on art is particularly special, with children exploring various artistic mediums throughout the year. Each summer, we proudly showcase their unique creations at St. Andrew’s Annual Summer Fair, giving our children the opportunity to share their work with the broader community and celebrate their creativity.
3. Teacher-to-Child Ratios & Individual Attention
Kindergarten: Often has a larger group size with fewer teachers per child, making it harder to provide individualized attention.
Privately Owned ECE Centre: At Little Dinosaurs, our teacher-to-child ratios always exceed the guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Education, ensuring more one-on-one interaction, better relationship-building, and a more personalized learning experience for your child.
4. Transition to School
Kindergarten: Because children often attend only part-time, the transition to primary school can feel abrupt.
Privately Owned ECE Centre: At Little Dinosaurs, we focus on a structured school readiness program, helping children develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills in a way that mirrors a full school day. We have a strong track record of children successfully transitioning to nearby schools, including Epsom Normal Primary, Royal Oak Primary, Three Kings School, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Maungawhau School, and Good Shepherd School. Our transition to school program is designed to ensure a smooth and confident move into primary education.
5. Myth: Kindergartens Are More Affordable & “Better” Quality
A common misconception is that kindergartens are more affordable and provide better quality education. While some kindergartens receive higher government funding, they often require additional parent involvement and fundraising efforts to maintain their programs.
Private ECE centres like Little Dinosaurs offer exceptional learning environments with invested teachers and top-quality resources—all while providing convenience and care that fit modern family needs.
Why Choose Little Dinosaurs?
At Little Dinosaurs, we combine the best aspects of early childhood education: a nurturing, play-based curriculum, high teacher-to-child ratios, and flexible hours to support families. Our approach ensures your child is not just prepared for school but develops a lifelong love for learning in a warm, engaging environment.
If you’re looking for an ECE centre that prioritizes your child’s growth and well-being, visit us at Little Dinosaurs in Epsom, Auckland. Book a visit today and see the difference for yourself!