About Sunshine Childcare
Our story
For more than 15 years, Sunshine Childcare has been a place where Hamilton families can find warm, respectful care and early learning grounded in the real world. We are family-owned by Patricia and Kevin Radich, the couple are both active in the centre community.
Our philosophy — Rapunga Whakāro
Here at Sunshine Childcare, we aspire to empower each child on their learning journey to become a lifelong learner; secure in their sense of belonging, resilience, self-worth and ability to explore the wider world around them. We encourage children to be leaders in their own learning and seek to scaffold and extend their interests. We regard each child as taonga, unique and precious with a gift to share at Sunshine in the community and in the world.
Our mission
Real Wonder
Real adventure
Real engagement
Sunshine Childcare is a place where children can learn by exploring the natural world around them. The importance of whanaungatanga is mirrored in the nurturing world of Sunshine Childcare. In partnership with whanau, collective ideas are used to extend children’s learning. In a spacious indoor and our Kiwi outdoor environment, qualified and experienced teaching professionals encourage children to engage imaginatively with the living and natural world, while taking healthy risks with child-like curiosity and building strong relationships with other adults and children. Pedagogical strategies support both parties of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, drawing from Te Whāriki, Kaupapa Māori, and te reo me ōna tikanga.
Culture, identity and belonging
Every child should see their culture, language and family reflected and valued. Te reo Māori is spoken, heard and visible across our environments. Kaiako use tikanga Māori through routines, karakia, narrative, song, art and movement, while welcoming each child’s home language and cultural practices. We work with families, whānau and iwi to shape meaningful learning pathways and celebrate the events that matter to our community.
Our people
Our kaiako are our greatest resource. Across both centres we maintain a minimum of 80% qualified teaching professionals, while also supporting teachers in training with qualified mentoring. We value both formal qualifications and the experience that caring educators bring.
Patricia & Kevin
Directors/ Owners
Patricia is active in curriculum leadership, with a background in education; Kevin has oversight of administration and finances
Mandy
General Manager
Mandy oversees the operations of both Sunshine Childcare centres
Ally
2IC Sunshine on Sunshine
Ally is based at Sunshine on Sunshine.
Mara Goes
2IC Sunshine on Vickery
Mara leads the Sunshine on Vickery team.
Learning journeys
Your child’s learning is documented in a personal portfolio of learning stories, photos, artwork, anecdotes and whānau contributions. These stories make learning visible and help us plan from each child’s interests, skills, interactions and aspirations.
Visit Sunshine Childcare
Te Rapa, Hamilton
Monday–Friday, 7:00am–5:30pm
(07) 849 2020 | info@sunshinechildcare.co.nz
