Frequently asked questions

Visits, hours and enrolment

What hours are you open?

Both Sunshine on Sunshine and Sunshine on Vickery are open Monday–Friday, 7:00am–5:30pm. We are closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

How soon can my child start?

Availability varies by centre and age. Enquire early, especially for infants, and we will talk with you about current options.

Do you offer transition visits?

Yes. We offer six transition visits, usually building from one hour to three hours over two weeks. We work flexibly with each child and whānau.

Are you a daycare, preschool or kindergarten?

Families use lots of names — daycare, early learning centre, preschool, kindy. Sunshine Childcare is a licensed early childhood education provider with two centres in Te Rapa, Hamilton, caring for children from babies to five-year-olds, with preschool-age programmes in our Rimu and Pōhutukawa rooms.

Care and learning

Are your teachers qualified?

We maintain a minimum of 80% qualified teaching professionals across both centres. We also support teachers in training with qualified mentoring and value experienced educators.

What learning programme do you use?

We implement Te Whāriki through a play-based curriculum. Child-led, spontaneous and teacher-initiated experiences are woven together in response to each child’s interests, strengths and whānau aspirations.

How do you prepare children for school?

Readiness for school grows through play, language, relationships, curiosity, persistence and everyday learning. We create a Mini Portfolio with links to the primary school curriculum for the new entrant teacher.

Can you support my child’s individual needs?

We are an inclusive setting and will work with you, your whānau and your child to support a positive experience. Please talk with us about your child’s needs.

Do you take babies and toddlers?

Yes. The Koru Room at Sunshine on Sunshine is a specialist nursery for babies 0–16 months following the Pikler approach, and the Kōwhai Room at Sunshine on Vickery cares for under 2s. Infant spaces are limited, so enquire early.

Food, fees and support

What do fees cover?

Fees cover meals, free unlimited nappies, individual learning folders and cow’s milk for bottles (not formula). Ask the team for current session fees and conditions.

Are the meals healthy?

Yes. Meals are free, heart-healthy and allergy-friendly. Menus run on a four-week cycle, with seasonal and homegrown fruit and vegetables available. Sunshine holds a Rito Healthy Heart Award.

Can I get help with childcare costs?

Our administrators can assist with WINZ childcare subsidy information and forms. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, income and work/study hours. Call 0800 599 099 to check eligibility.

Health, safety and wellbeing

What happens if my child is sick?

We work to reduce the spread of illness and will discuss your child’s symptoms with you. Children with vomiting or diarrhoea must stay away for 24–48 hours after symptoms clear. Please ask for the full illness policy.

How do you keep children safe with court orders or pick-up arrangements?

Please provide details at enrolment. We handle information confidentially; visitors sign in and out, and people unknown to staff must show ID and be on the authorised pick-up list.