BestStart is one of NZ's leading early childcare providers. BestStart Montessori Mosgiel provides affordable, high quality education and award winning childcare for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
BestStart Montessori Mosgiel our vision is to create meaningful connections!
We prioritize strong relationships, collaborating closely with families to ensure the best outcomes for every child. As the only Montessori center in the Taieri area, we uphold Maria Montessori's values, extending children's knowledge and experiences while encouraging them to be active participants in the community. Our children engage in various excursions and community initiatives, developing their awareness and understanding of the world around them.
At BestStart Montessori Mosgiel, we believe in empowering children to lead their learning journey at their own pace, with the support and guidance of our dedicated teachers. Our tamariki develop learning theories and become active contributors to the community, growing in independence and responsibility. We cherish a thoughtfully planned Montessori environment, providing tools that inspire active engagement and hands-on learning. Inclusivity is at the heart of our approach, ensuring equal opportunities for all children regardless of their abilities or cultural backgrounds. We strengthen our connections through community activities such as attending Polyfest and hosting family nights like the Matariki disco. Our passionate team supports children to learn and develop, fostering meaningful relationships within the center and the wider community.
Montessori Method
“Learning how to learn is a preparation for life” – Maria Montessori recognized that children have a natural willingness to explore and that the best motivation for learning is self-motivation.
In our Montessori classroom, we emphasize independence and freedom within limits. Children are provided with a carefully prepared environment that contains a variety of hands-on materials designed to stimulate their senses and develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Teachers serve as guides and facilitators rather than lecturers, and they encourage children to work independently and collaborate with their peers. There is the utmost respect for the child, and we focus on nurturing the whole child, including their physical, emotional, and intellectual development perfect in preparation for school.
Find out more about Montessori here
Our Team
Our teaching team is passionate about supporting children in their learning and development, ensuring each child progresses at their own pace. Our educators are dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy. We place a high value on relationships, both within our center and in the wider community. Our team works closely with families to build strong, trusting partnerships, recognizing that collaboration with parents is key to each child's success. We are an inclusive and supportive center, welcoming children of all abilities and backgrounds. Our teachers think creatively and adapt their methods to ensure every child feels valued and included. By creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere, we help children develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Our team’s dedication to building strong connections and providing exceptional care and education is what makes BestStart Montessori Mosgiel a truly special place for children to grow and thrive.
What we offer
- Silver Healthy Heart Award - nutrition and health is important to us
- Fresh, healthy, nutritious meals and snacks provided throughout the day
- Experienced tight-knit team of passionate teachers, all both state and Montessori qualified
- 20 hours free for 3-5 year olds and WINZ subsidies available* if required
- Incredible support and preparation for your childs transition to school
Our Spaces
Montessori Mosgiel provides a safe, loving and understanding environment where strong relationships and confidence building are at the heart of learning. We provide ‘real-life’ opportunities for children to practice and develop the skills necessary to be successful in life and active contributors to our community. We prioritize strong relationships, collaborating closely with families to ensure the best outcomes for every child. Our environment reflects the aspirations and desires of our tamariki (children), whᾱnau (families), and kaiako (teachers), fostering a sense of belonging and partnership.
Little Ferns
Under 2's
In the Little Ferns room at BestStart Montessori Mosgiel, our goal is to cultivate strong, supportive relationships with both children and their whānau (families). We understand that early childhood is a critical time for building secure attachments, and we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where every child feels loved and valued. By engaging with families and involving them in their child's learning journey, we ensure that each child receives the consistent support and encouragement they need to thrive.
The Little Ferns room is designed to be a nurturing space that adapts to the unique needs and rhythms of each child. Our educators are attentive and responsive, creating routines that follow the children’s natural cues and needs. We prioritize flexibility, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace within a structured yet adaptable framework. This child-centered approach ensures that every child feels comfortable and secure, promoting their emotional well-being and fostering a sense of independence. In the Little Ferns room, we are committed to providing a caring, responsive environment where children can grow and develop with confidence, supported by strong relationships with their caregivers and families.
Koru
2 - 3.5 years old
The Koru Room at BestStart Montessori Mosgiel is dedicated to fostering positive relationships with both children and whānau (families). Our approach is centered on creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and valued, and where families are actively involved in their child's learning journey. By building strong, trusting connections, we ensure that every child feels supported and understood, laying a solid foundation for their personal and academic growth.
In the Koru Room, we prioritize giving children the time and space they need to explore and learn at their own pace. Our skilled educators provide gentle guidance, encouraging children to challenge themselves and develop essential skills for independence. We believe in the importance of self-directed learning, where children are empowered to make choices, solve problems, and engage deeply with their activities. This approach helps children build confidence and resilience, fostering a sense of accomplishment as they master new skills. The Koru Room is designed to be a nurturing space where children can thrive, becoming capable, independent learners who are ready to take on new challenges
Kiwi
3.5 years +
In the Kiwi Room at BestStart Montessori Mosgiel, our comprehensive 'Set for School' programme focuses on fostering independence, enabling children to manage their tasks and responsibilities with confidence and autonomy. Inspired by Montessori principles, we provide a variety of hands-on learning activities, problem-solving tasks, and creative exploration. The environment in the Kiwi Room is carefully prepared with Montessori materials, allowing children to learn and grow at their own pace, supported by attentive and skilled educators who guide their journey of self-discovery and academic readiness.
Central to our approach in the Kiwi Room is the nurturing of kindness and respect, core tenets of Montessori education. Our educators model and encourage these values in daily interactions, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Children learn to appreciate and respect differences, cooperate with their peers, and develop strong social skills. Through group activities, collaborative projects, and guided interactions, they practice empathy and consideration for others, laying the foundation for healthy, respectful relationships. By the time children complete their journey in the Kiwi Room, they are well-prepared not only academically but also socially and emotionally, equipped with the Montessori-inspired skills and values they need for a successful start in school and in life.