Careers
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Careers
More than a role. A practice
Your Next Journey Begins Here
Kaiako at Bear Park are researchers, not just teachers. For nearly four decades, we've built environments and a team where curiosity leads, professional growth is genuine, and the work truly matters.
2025-12-03
Permanent
Preschool Head Teacher - Albany
We are looking for an ECE-qualified and registered Head Teacher to lead our preschool rooms. With an experienced Centre Director, outstanding ratios, and a supportive team culture, this is an exceptional leadership opportunity for an inspiring educator ready to take the next step.
2025-12-03
Permanent
Unqualified Teacher - Mairangi Bay
We are looking for an experienced unqualified teacher or teacher in training to join our fabulous team at Bear Park Mairangi Bay. Working alongside our diverse and passionate team, you will be a calm and creative teacher committed to engaging learning opportunities for children under two.
2025-12-03
Permanent
Centre Director - Hobsonville
We are looking for an experienced Centre Director to lead our Bear Park Hobsonville team. You will bring a strong pedagogical vision, proven leadership skills, and a passion for building a thriving community for children, teachers and whanau at our beautiful Hobsonville Point centre.
Our early childhood teachers value the culture of research and support young minds through the powers of curiosity and creative expression. Just like the children they teach, they become lifelong learners through quality planning, specialised support and regular professional development. Here are a few of our staff benefits:
Health and Wellness
We support your wellbeing with mental health days, a birthday day off, and access to our employee assistance programme. We genuinely care about the people who care for our children.
Financial Incentives
Benefit from full pay parity, competitive salaries, and paid registration fees. We invest in your career from day one, because great teachers deserve great conditions.
Professional Growth
Grow your practice through specialised professional development programmes, weekly non-contact planning time, and overseas study tours to Italy and Australia.
Full Pay Parity
Overseas study tours and experiences in Italy and Australia
Weekly non-contact time to collaboratively plan with your teaching team
Specialised professional development programmes
Strong individual support from our experienced Pedagogical Leaders
Large learning environments with high-quality resources
Generous ratios
Paid registration and a day off on your birthday
Accredited employer for international teachers
01
Innovative and culturally rich programmes
As teachers, we acknowledge and celebrate the identity, culture, and individuality that each child and their whānau share within our learning community.
02
Responsive and Curious Educators
We see ourselves as researchers alongside children, bringing curiosity, humility and genuine interest to every interaction. We observe, reflect and adapt, always guided by the child.
03
Collaborative Partners with Families
We build genuine partnerships with parents and whanau, keeping communication open, honest and respectful. Families are active participants in their child's learning journey at Bear Park.
As teachers, we acknowledge and celebrate the identity, culture, and individuality that each child and their whānau share within our learning community.
We see ourselves as researchers alongside children, bringing curiosity, humility and genuine interest to every interaction. We observe, reflect and adapt, always guided by the child.
We build genuine partnerships with parents and whanau, keeping communication open, honest and respectful. Families are active participants in their child's learning journey at Bear Park.
FAQs
Where are Bear Park's early learning centres located?
Bear Park has eleven centres across New Zealand: Albany, Mairangi Bay, Remuera, Epsom, Herne Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Henderson, Hobsonville, and Mt Eden in Auckland, and St Clair in Dunedin. Each centre shares the same educational philosophy and approach to early learning.
What ages do Bear Park centres cater for?
Bear Park welcomes tamariki from three months through to school age. Each centre has thoughtfully designed spaces for infants, toddlers, and older children, with age-appropriate materials, rhythms, and learning environments suited to each stage of development.
What educational approach do Bear Park centres follow?
Bear Park centres are inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, an internationally respected philosophy that views children as capable, curious learners from birth. Alongside Te Whariki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum, our kaiako plan learning around each child's interests, relationships, and environment.
How do I enrol my child at a Bear Park centre?
The best first step is to book a tour at the centre closest to you. Visiting in person gives your whanau a feel for the environment, the kaiako, and the community. From there, our team will guide you through the enrolment process and discuss availability.
Are Bear Park centres eligible for the 20 Hours ECE subsidy?
Yes. All Bear Park centres participate in the Government's 20 Hours ECE funding, which gives eligible three- and four-year-olds 20 funded hours of early childhood education per week.
What are Bear Park's opening hours?
Most Bear Park centres are open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6.00pm. Hours may vary slightly by location. Mairangi Bay is open 7.00am to 5.30pm. We recommend contacting your local centre to confirm operating times and session options.
What is the teacher-to-child ratio at Bear Park?
Bear Park meets and exceeds Ministry of Education ratio requirements and maintains intentionally small group sizes so kaiako can build deep, consistent relationships with every child in their care.
How do I know if Bear Park is the right fit for my child?
We always recommend booking a tour. Every family is different, and the best way to understand what makes Bear Park distinct is to experience it in person. Tours are warm, unhurried, and genuinely informative.
How does Bear Park support children settling in and transitioning to school?
Kaiako work closely with whanau to make every transition gradual and supported, moving at each child's pace. As children approach school age, Bear Park focuses on building the independence, curiosity, and confidence they need to thrive in their next learning environment.
Do Bear Park centres have outdoor learning spaces?
Yes. Outdoor environments are an integral part of every Bear Park centre. Gardens and outdoor areas are thoughtfully designed to invite exploration, physical play, and connection with the natural world. Tamariki move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day.
What qualifications do Bear Park teachers hold?
At least 80% of kaiako across all Bear Park centres hold a recognised ECE or Primary teaching qualification at Level 7 or above on the NZQA framework, and are registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Teachers working towards their qualification study while working in the centre, supported by Bear Park's Curriculum and Operations team. Every centre is led by a qualified, registered ECE teacher with extensive sector experience.
How do I book a tour?
A tour is the best way to see Bear Park properly. You'll meet the kaiako, spend time in the spaces, and get a real sense of how the day runs. It's also your chance to ask the questions that matter most to you. Book through our website or call your local centre directly. We recommend downloading our Parents Guide beforehand. It gives you a solid grounding in how we work and what to look for on your visit.
What is the difference between a kindergarten and a private ECE centre?
In New Zealand, both kindergartens and private ECE centres like Bear Park fall under the umbrella of early childhood education (ECE). The key differences are in the model and investment. Kindergartens are community-based and not-for-profit, typically operating part-time hours, and receive a higher government subsidy which keeps parent fees low. Private ECE centres offer full-day care and education with fully qualified teaching teams, regular professional development, and ongoing investment in environments, resources, and learning programmes. At Bear Park, small group sizes and excellent teacher-to-child ratios are central to what we offer. All Bear Park centres participate in the Government's 20 Hours ECE funding, so eligible three- and four-year-olds receive 20 subsidised hours per week, the same entitlement available at kindergarten.
Do Bear Park centres communicate with parents about their child's learning?
Yes. Kaiako at Bear Park document each child's learning journey and share this regularly with whanau. We believe families are a child's first and most important teachers, and open communication between home and the centre is central to how we work. If you have questions about how we share updates and learning stories, ask your centre team when you visit.