BestStart Palmerston North

BestStart Palmerston North (formerly First Steps Palmerston North) is conveniently located close to the central city and local attractions including Te Manawa. Since opening in 1989 we have been the centre of choice for literally thousands of families.

We have very experienced teachers, some of whom have been educating and caring for infants and young children at this centre for over 20 years. Others have been in the team for more than a decade. Our teachers are specialists in various areas of early childhood education to support your child to reach their full potential.

Music Specialists - Music sessions with our professionally trained teachers are fun and we have fantastic resources. Your child will enjoy songs, actions and dance with rhythm and movement. By being part of our music sessions your child will develop mathematical understanding through repetitive patterns, counting and spacial awareness as well as building their fine and gross motor skills. Click here to read more about our music programme.

Artist in Residence - Our specialist shares her skills across the complex so no matter where your child is, they will have the opportunity to enjoy this experience. Awesome art work is created using different mediums and techniques. Art supports early literacy skills and ignites your child’s imagination and creativity.  Click here to read more about our programme.

Foundation Skills - These skills support your child’s fine and gross motor skills and are the beginnings of sport and physical activity, using for example, balance and hand-eye coordination. When children have strong upper body and strong hand and arm muscles, it enables them to concentrate during reading and writing. In other words, these skills support early literacy.

Cultural Group - Our cultural group ignites recognition of all cultures by providing learning and experiences of customs, art, music and food. We recognise the culture of every child and by doing so this we give them a sense of identity and belonging.

Diverse Learners - We have specialist teachers who are post graduate trained in both gifted and talented children and early intervention. Karen MacKay (our Curriculum Manager) is well respected in Early Childhood Education circles and her specific focus is on supporting teachers to provide quality education and care in line with the New Zealand Curriculum. In addition, she ensures that our warm and welcoming environment is vibrant and extends the children’s learning.