Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool
About Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool
About Education & Care Service
Education & Care Services are mainstream early learning centres that offer full-day or part-day care with a structured curriculum, qualified teachers, and a focus on learning through play. They cater to families needing flexible childcare options and wanting a balanced approach that supports social, physical, and early academic development in a diverse environment.
What Is 20 Hours ECE funding?
20 Hours ECE is a government-funded initiative that helps reduce the cost of early childhood education for families with tamariki aged 3–5. Eligible children can receive up to 20 hours of funded care and education each week at participating services. Centres can set their own enrolment patterns and may ask for optional charges, but the funded hours themselves should be free of compulsory fees. If you are unsure how this works at Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool, it is best to ask the centre directly how they apply 20 Hours ECE.
Community Profile
Roll & age distribution
Gaia (Earth) Forest Preschool currently has a roll of 110 children tamariki , with most children enrolled in the 0–5 years age band.
Ethnicity profile
European tamariki are the largest group (46% of the roll), alongside māori, pacific, asian, other children.
Roll and demographic figures are based on data supplied by the Ministry of Education and were last updated on 01/07/2024.
Parent Reviews
“Highly recommend this center if you love nature, it's a beautiful place run by beautiful people.”
“I’m extremely happy with Gaia (Earth ) Forest preschool experience. The teachers are very nice, friendly, and truly care about the children. The environment is warm, welcoming, and healthy—perfect for little ones to grow and thrive. I especially love the natural surroundings and forest area—it gives the children such a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore in a safe and nurturing way. Highly recommended!”
“Great Preschool, nice teacher and staff but management is getting money minded, as it is fairly new daycare so do their popularity. Average 7% increase in fee each year is crazy. once the child get settled its very hard on parents to take a decision to get the child out due to unpredictable hike in fees. 2% - 3% increase once in a while is understandable but 7% - 8% is too much.”
“My son has been in Gaia for 2 years now, and we couldn’t be happier with his progress. He loves the outdoors , the forest, the amazing space, the class activities, and, of course, his teachers. We commend them for caring and patiently teaching the children.”
“Best place for your little one. My child just moved up to primary school from Gaia and I could only say positive words. Gaia prepared him well for big school. Happy tamariki, caring staff, and respectful whanau. Highly recommended!”
Interested?
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Getting ready for daycare?
See what your child will need for their day: labels, drink bottle, lunchbox, spare clothes, sunscreen and more.
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