BestStart Everglade Preschool

Our Starfish Room is a warm, joyful, and engaging environment designed specifically for curious 2- to 3-year-olds. In this classroom, children begin to explore their independence, develop early social skills, and build confidence through hands-on learning and playful discovery.

Guided by three dedicated and nurturing teachers, the Starfish Room offers:

• A play-based curriculum that encourages creativity, language development, and early problem-solving.
• Daily routines that support consistency, self-help skills, and emotional security.
• Interactive learning centres where children can explore art, music, sensory play, early literacy, and imaginative play.
• A caring community that helps young learners form friendships, practise communication, and build cooperation skills.

Our teachers work closely with each child, offering gentle guidance and individualised support as they grow through this exciting stage of development. The Starfish Room is a place where children feel safe, encouraged, and celebrated as they discover the world around them.

The Moonbeam Room at BestStart Everglade Preschool is designed to support our Set For School programme, with a strong focus on preparing children for their transition to primary school.

Catering for children aged three and a half to five years old, we provide age-appropriate experiences. While most children transition to school at five, we continue to support those who remain with us a little longer.

Our programme incorporates 16 areas of play each day, including sand, water, messy play, music, dance, carpentry, collage, manipulatives, puzzles, and more. As a play-based, child-led environment, our two teachers prioritise building strong, respectful relationships with both children and their families. This helps us understand individual preferences and collaboratively set meaningful learning goals.

Guided by Te Whāriki, and supported by ENGAGE and Kōwhiti Whakapae, we focus on each child’s unique learning journey. We ensure tamariki develop skills and confidence at their own pace within a clean, welcoming environment where creativity and growth can flourish.