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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Auckland Preschool

  • Yes.

  • A transport service is available for Deaf children only to access preschool. Details and availability of spaces can be discussed during the enrolment processes.

  • The preschool is open six hours a day, Monday to Friday during school terms only. Attendance will depend on available spaces at the time of your enrolment inquiry, and taking into consideration any waiting list applications.

  • Yes, we support all children (and their families) transition from preschool to primary school, but we work particularly closely with Kelston Primary school.

  • We can accommodate up to 25 children at each session. Please see criteria below:

    • Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    • Siblings of children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    • Children of Deaf Adults
    • Children with a close connection to the adult Deaf Community (discretionary enrolment)
    • Children from the local community

  • If we have more applicants than spaces then we operate a waiting list. Enrolment priority is given to children who are Deaf.

Christchurch Early Years Whānau Centre (EYWC)

  • Yes. Even though parents/whānau are expected to attend their child's sessions, we do operate under the licensing criteria required by all licensed early childhood centres.

  • Families usually attend one session per week. The days and times of attendance for each child are decided in consultation with parents/whānau. These are reviewed regularly. Parents/whānau are expected to attend each session their child attend.

  • There are no fees to attend the EYWC but families may pay a voluntary $10 koha per term.

  • Parents, whānau and their Deaf/Hard of Hearing child will work together with a staff member to support language and communication development. 1:1 sessions are held in small quiet rooms next to the EYWC. They are fun for the child and include resources, strategies and information to empower parents and whānau to continue to develop their child’s communication skills at home.

  • We have group sessions from 10am-12pm Monday to Thursday; Thursday is our CODA group. Families may also attend an individual session from 9.15am-10am or sometimes 12pm-12.45pm, which is before and after each of the group sessions.

  • During group session times parents and whānau have the opportunity to develop relationships and support each other as whānau of Deaf/Hard of Hearing children. More formal parent/whānau support group times are held during some group sessions. These may be discussions or involve visiting specialists. During these times, children are supervised by EYWC staff. Often these parent group times involve parents working with an NZSL tutor to learn NZSL.