ECE Caregiver (BestStart Hanley's Farm)
At BestStart Hanley's Farm, every day is an opportunity for discovery. Our tamariki explore stories, welcome visitors, build connections within their community, and uncover the wonder in the world around them. It's a place where imagination flourishes, friendships are nurtured, and curiosity drives learning.
We're looking for a caring, energetic Caregiver to join our close-knit team. At Hanley's Farm, we believe every child deserves high-quality education, meaningful relationships, and a place where they feel a true sense of belonging.
Nestled at the foot of the Remarkables (Kawarau) Mountains, our centre is guided by the whakataukī:
Whaia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei - Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
The mountains surrounding us represent strength, connection, and aspiration, reflecting our commitment to helping tamariki reach their full potential.
Our diverse team brings together a wealth of cultures, perspectives, and experiences, creating an inclusive environment where children, whānau, and kaiako feel seen, valued, and supported. We welcome tamariki aged 3 months to 5 years and take pride in providing a nurturing, inspiring environment where learning comes alive.
Why BestStart?
At BestStart, we're committed to being a progressive and adaptable leader in early childhood education. We recognise and celebrate the difference our teachers and caregivers make every day. You'll enjoy:
- Learning opportunities through our Whare Ako online platform
- Ongoing career development and growth pathways
- $2,000 referral bonus for qualified teachers*
- Discounted childcare
- Subsidised health insurance*
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- EAP counselling services
- A comprehensive wellbeing programme
- Sick leave from day one
- An additional week of leave after 10 years of service
About the Role
As a Caregiver, you'll help create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where tamariki feel confident to explore, learn, and grow.
Working alongside our Centre Manager and teaching team, you'll support the delivery of high-quality care and learning experiences for our over-two-year-old tamariki. From helping children prepare for exciting upcoming events and excursions to encouraging them to share stories from home and celebrate milestones, you'll play an important role in fostering curiosity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
This is a permanent, full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
What You'll Do
- Build warm, responsive relationships with tamariki
- Support learning through play, exploration, and meaningful interactions
- Participate in centre routines, activities, and learning experiences
- Foster a positive and collaborative team culture
- Develop strong partnerships with families and whānau
- Contribute to learning observations and planning
- Uphold our centre philosophy and values
- Naturally incorporate te reo Māori and tikanga Māori into daily practice
- Support centre operations wherever needed
What You'll Bring
You don't need an ECE qualification to succeed in this role. What matters most is your passion for working with children and supporting their development. We are looking for:
- A genuine love for working with tamariki, particularly under-fives
- Previous experience working with children
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Reliability, initiative, and a strong work ethic
- A collaborative approach and ability to work as part of a team
Ready to Join Us? If you're passionate about helping tamariki learn, grow, and thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now and become part of a team that values connection, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference every day.
