St Clair
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St Clair Childcare Centre
find us:
10 Hobson Street, St Clair, Dunedin
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We value the importance of the environment and have created many inspiring spaces that reflect the character of our centre, our children and our teachers. Our walls are alive with the work of our children. Generous outdoor areas, expansive lawns and working garden and vegetable plots enable children to plant, tend and discover. An on-site chef prepares nutritious meals from a menu designed by paediatric dietician Rebecca Bruce.
Bear Park St Clair is a compelling choice for Dunedin families – a graceful historic residence where the Reggio Emilia Approach inspires every learning experience. Our walls are alive with the work of our children, and our generous outdoor areas and expansive lawns give children the space to explore and discover. We hold a deep sense of connection with our children, their families and the wider community, aiming to foster real collaboration in everything we do.
We are proud of our heritage and aim to foster a sense of belonging in every child, every family and every member of the wider St Clair and Dunedin community.
Our Children
With many of our whānau residing in the local St Clair community, our children share a strong sense of belonging and kotahitanga (unity). Each child is a unique, free-spirited individual encouraged to express their thoughts and theories on everything that captures their curiosity. With a natural connection to the whenua (land) and tahuaroa (ocean), our children are confident explorers, adventurers, and caretakers of the local landscape.
Our Teachers
The educators at Bear Park St Clair are a dedicated team with extensive experience and a deep passion for teaching and learning alongside the youngest members of our community. They recognise and respect each child as an individual, creating an environment where every child feels safe and secure to explore the world around them. Our teachers are committed to fostering successful social interactions and nurturing a lifelong love for learning. With their warm and approachable natures, they establish meaningful, positive relationships with both children and whānau, ensuring they can effectively support the learning journey of all ākonga.
Our Environment
Our educational spaces are full of natural light, designed to promote inspiring teaching and stimulating learning. Our generous outdoor areas and expansive lawns provide room for exploration and discovery, while our working garden and vegetable plots connect children with the natural world.
At Bear Park St Clair, the original character of the property has been preserved and celebrated throughout. The custom-made 1930s sundial remains a firm favourite with the infants and toddlers in the outdoor area, a beautiful symbol of the history and care woven through this centre.
In the Fantail Room at Bear Park St Clair, we work with children aged three months to 15 months. As a team we strive to create an environment which fosters a joy in learning and where children know they have a right to explore and investigate their world. We believe a strong relationship with children and parents is a key factor in building a solid foundation where children feel secure and confident.
The Morepork team at Bear Park St Clair learn alongside the children who are 12 months to two years of age. Our children are developing and learning so fast at this age that we endeavour to give them time to practise and develop their working theories of the world around them. With lots of open-ended resources and respectful interactions, the children learn alongside their peers and their teachers in a caring, enticing environment.
As a teaching team at Bear Park St Clair, the Kea teachers believe that an environment should inspire children to see the wonder in learning by creating social, engaging spaces which are richly resourced. We strive to create a learning environment that promotes children's interests through individual and group experiences which embrace the fun in learning.
The Bear Park St Clair Tui team is a unique team of early childhood and primary trained teachers. We strive to create an environment for our three and four-year-old children to encourage creativity in all areas of the curriculum. Our programme allows children the time and space to openly explore the wonder that is their world, creating learning experiences that capture children's interests, leading to theories and discoveries.
Locations Information
St Clair Childcare Centre
Centre Owner:
Sue Stevely-Cole
Centre Manager:
Karinna Blacklock
Phone:
(03) 456 1010
Age of children catered for:
3 months to 5 years
Licence:
60 children
Address:
10 Hobson Street, St Clair, Dunedin
FAQs
Where is the St Clair centre located?
Bear Park St Clair is at 10 Hobson Street, St Clair, Dunedin 9012. St Clair Beach is a 3 minute walk, with the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool right next door. One of Dunedin's most popular coastal suburbs for families. Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6.00pm. Nearby suburbs: St Kilda, South Dunedin, Caversham, Andersons Bay, Musselburgh.
What is the child-to-teacher ratio?
At Bear Park St Clair, small groups are central to everything we do. When group sizes are manageable, kaiako can observe and respond to each child as an individual. That means your tamariki gets consistent, personalised care every day. Our ratios comfortably exceed NZ licensing minimums, and our infant spaces are especially intimate.
What qualifications do your childcare staff hold?
Every Bear Park centre is led by a qualified and registered ECE teacher with extensive experience in the sector. At least 80% of our kaiako at Bear Park St Clair hold an ECE or Primary teaching qualification at NZQA Level 7 or above, with full Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand registration. All teachers, whether fully registered or working towards their qualification, take part in ongoing professional development guided by our Curriculum and Operations team.
What are the age ranges for children at Bear Park St Clair?
Bear Park St Clair caters for tamariki aged 3 months to 5 years, across our full rooms. We offer continuity of care so children don't need to move settings as they grow.
What are your fees and do you accept childcare subsidies?
For current fees, please get in touch with Bear Park St Clair. We also participate in the Government's 20 Hours ECE programme, which provides eligible three- and four-year-olds with 20 subsidised hours of early learning per week.
Is Bear Park St Clair centre accepting new child enrolments?
Contact the Bear Park St Clair team to ask about current availability. Spaces are limited and do fill up, so we recommend reaching out sooner rather than later.
How can I book a tour?
Head to bearpark.co.nz, click Book a Tour and select Bear Park St Clair to find a time that works for your whānau. Want to learn more before you visit? Download our Parents Guide from the website.
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