BestStart Montessori Bethlehem

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BestStart Montessori Bethlehem provides award-winning childcare and early education for children aged from 6 months to 6 years old. We are conveniently located near the Bethlehem Town Shopping Centre and are open between 8:00am - 5:30pm.

Growing independence with love & respect.

At BestStart Montessori Bethlehem, we value treating everyone with respect and kindness and we incorporate this into our teaching practices every day. We believe in intentional teaching of both academic and real-world skills to empower children to become independent, confident learners.

Our gardens provide an opportunity for children to learn about respecting nature and they love to help look after our resident chickens and guinea pigs. They collect eggs, fruit, and vegetables when they are ready and children are encouraged to help prepare snacks to share with their friends at or take home for their family. 

By teaching children useful academic skills and the importance of valuing themselves, others and their belongings, we aim to prepare children for the next step in their learning journey for school and in life. 

Our Team

Our dedicated team of teachers are passionate about what we do and the values we promote. We treat each child respectfully and weave this value throughout our teaching practices. We regularly update families through open communication and provide support for families where they need it.

Montessori Method

Montessori education comes from observing children during their moments of development. Through observation, we allow children to show us where they need most support, allowing us to support their individual needs and interests. The environment is prepared to give the child autonomy and to help the child discover, concentrate and develop holistically. As part of our philosophy, we create a calm, peaceful environment to foster children's confidence and concentration.

Find out more about Montessori here

What We Offer

  • Individualised approach to learning and teaching real-world skills
  • A caring support system for families, mothers and children
  • Calm, relaxing indoor environments for your child to develop at their own pace
  • Spacious outdoor spaces for children to explore and learn through play
  • Set for School program to help transition your child to primary school
  • 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required

Our Spaces

Our indoor learning environments are relaxed and calm to allow your child to achieve their potential. We have an extensive range of Montessori resources that are used to teach fundamental learning skills while also teaching children to respect their belongings.

Our outdoor areas are spacious and encourage children to engage their curiosity to explore and be challenged physically. We don't rush children and we wait until each child is ready to transition to the next room based on their stage of learning and development.

Our Infant Room

(From 5 months old)

Bambini Room

(​From 18 months old)

Toddler Room

(3-year-olds)

Il Sole Classroom

(Preschoolers)

Video Gallery

Be School Ready at Montessori Bethlehem
A beautiful day in the garden
When persistence pays off!
Our Infant Room
Our lovely pre schoolers
A tour of Montessori Bethlehem
Quality Service Award 2023

kind words from our parents

Parent

I am a mother of two children at Montessori Bethlehem. Both of my children are very different in personality and temperament and Montessori suits both of them perfectly. The Montessori method partnered with quality teachers means that my son who prefers to observe first and participate later in his own time, usually solo, has been able to work at his own pace, celebrate his success, and gain confidence to make friends and try new things. My daughter who is confident and busy, is able to move through activities as she needs to while being encouraged to concentrate on individual tasks and see them through to completion. I love that their individual personalities are celebrated and I’m reminded of this every time I talk with their teachers and hear about their activities and achievements – it’s obvious to me that they know my children and have a real relationship with them. I also really love how respect for others and manners are encouraged as this is a high value of ours at home, and I especially love it when it starts to come out naturally from my children.

Parent

There is so much love in the Nido room. And when you are leaving your precious little one, this is the most important thing. My oldest child loves visiting her little brother in her old room, they feel comfortable. There are so many different activities which are constantly changed. The interaction between teacher child and teacher parent is fantastic.

Parent

The Montessori staff teachers are exceptional. We love reading about Ella’s progress in her thoughtful learning stories. The staff and teachers are flexible and listen to your special requests and work to follow your child’s established routines.

Parent

We chose Montessori as it came highly recommended by our friends whose children both had gone through here. Our eldest child started at Nido and we found it a wonderful place for her to explore and develop her independence. Our youngest has just begun and we are really looking forward to seeing her develop her independence.

Parent

I am always recommending BestStart Montessori Bethlehem to mums. The care and environment is exceptional and stands out amongst the other centres that I have experienced.

Parent

I have been very happy with the love, care and support from the teachers, admin and centre manager in the big leap we had in leaving South Africa and moving to NZ. Mackenzie is very happy at school and she settled really well. The support with her transitioning between classes has been amazing and all the teachers have helped and supported with smooth transitions. The centre has an amazing atmosphere. I love the learning that takes place in preparing my little girl for school and working with her interest and strengths. Very happy mom. Thank you to everyone involved.

Parent

BestStart have been crucial in our son's development, and we've noticed huge changes in Arthur since progressing in the classroom - cognitively, his social skills and his behaviour. We're excited to see how Freya will grow whilst she's at Montessori.

Parent

Our child has really enjoyed the environment, learning a lot and well supported in learning. Great staff. Excellent adherence and procedures in place for COVID safety. Communication has been excellent.

Parent

I have previously recommended Montessori Bethlehem to many family and friends, the friendly teachers and staff have made leaving my daughter with them so much easier.

Parent

Byron has felt comfortable at BestStart Montessori Bethlehem from day one. The teachers have been amazing and have put countless hours of hard work into his learning and him as a little person. I'm so happy I chose this centre for our family.

Parent

Great management and wonderful teachers at Montessori Bethlehem. We are very happy with our overall experience. They have gone out of their way to accommodate us over what has been a difficult period with Covid etc.

Parent

We have been so pleased with the education, manaaki, support and care that both our child and our whole whanau as a whole has received from BestStart Bethlehem. This is a real whanau centred place and we have been blessed with genuine concern and aroha from the staff when life's challenges were upon us. Our child has continued to grow and prosper under their care and we always recommend this place to our whanau and friends.

Parent

Both my son and daughter have attended Montessori @ Bethlehem, and both have benefited hugely from their time there. I feel the love and care that the teachers have for my children every day, and I have so much appreciation for the way they go above and beyond to ensure that the children have wonderful experiences during their time at daycare. The advice and care I have received from both Natalie and Louise also deserve a special mention - they have always made me and my children feel like such valued parts of the Montessori Bethlehem family.

Parent

The most incredibly present, genuinely caring group of women I have had the pleasure of leaving my child with. Aliarna is the youngest of 5 children, the oldest being 31yrs and I can honestly say, in all my experience with ECE/kindy type environments, Bethlehem Beststart Montessori is PHENOMENAL in all areas. I would and do highly recommend this as an option. Louise and Natalie are incredible facilitator/administrators, and I have not yet met an ECE teacher here who I didn’t also hold in the highest regard.

Parent

I've had a lovely experience with BestStart Montesorri Bethlehem. Large indoor and outdoor play spaces for the children and friendly staff. Lately I've particularly enjoyed hearing my almost 2 year old use Maori language at home that he has learnt there. Very happy mama :)

Parent

The Montessori Bethlehem centre is like one big family, they always make you feel welcome and genuinely want the best for your child. You can tell that the team are passionate, knowledgeable and work well together. I couldn’t think of a better place for my children.

Parent

After visiting so many centres I found this beautiful place with so much love for the kids who attend. It’s calm, peaceful and nurturing and they are very well looked after. You can really feel that the teachers enjoy being there rather than just a job. My son is loving it and so are we!

LATEST STORIES FROM OUR BLOG

Meet our Infant and Toddler teaching team

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