Welcome to our Early Learning Centre
Where learning is a part of everyday play
We know first hand as parents, that choosing the best early learning centre for your child is one of the most important decisions that you will make as a parent.
We also understand that the early years of a child’s life are critical for healthy development later on. At Play to Learn we believe that by working together parents and teachers can give children a great start. A great start that will help ensure their future success.
Play to Learn is a small centre with a big heart!
Our Hamilton Childcare centre is family owned and is run by experienced, passionate childcare professionals.
We believe that children learn and grow best in an environment where they feel happy and secure. Our centre philosophy is designed to enrich your child’s imagination, creativity and sense of wonder. We also nurture friendship learning and the development of social skills including respectful teacher/child relationships.
Early Learning Centre Location
Our early learning centre is near The Base Shopping Centre, Te Rapa Road and Avalon Drive in Te Rapa, Hamilton.
Call or email now to inquire about enrolment for our childcare services.
Meet the Team at our Early Learning Centre
Juanita Pritchard-Davis
Early Learning Centre Manager - Full Teacher Registration
Kia Ora Whanau,
My love for early childhood education started when my first child was born.
My philosophy:
I also believe in great partnerships with whanau. Children are your world, mean absolutely everything to you and strong relationships with everyone close to them will support them in becoming who they want to be.
We value the team spirit that we have here and when you enter our lovely centre, you will receive a family like, warm feeling from every staff member. We all have so much to offer you with all our knowledge and experience and like you, we want the best for you and your child. Over the years I have heard so many wonderful quotes, but this is my favourite “every child needs someone to be crazy about them” – so true isn’t it?
In my spare time, I love to spend it mostly with my family tending to my pretty cool husband, Isaac and our beautiful children Jurnee, Nikau and Hawaiki.
Welcome to Play to Learn and thank you for choosing us !
Alyssa
Full Teacher Registration
I believe that relationships are an integral aspect to nurturing the growth of our tamariki, kaiako and whaanau. Building wonderful relationships creates a bond of trust, familiarity, the confidence to take risks and to problem solve with a loving and nurturing support system. My gentle and playful nature is always radiating and at Play to Learn you will find me learning with ngaa tamariki at their level, always engrossed in play and scaffolding and supporting all tamariki equally.
In my spare time you will find me outdoors living and breathing in our nature and learning and exploring through our beautiful country. I also enjoy spending time exploring lots of cafes and enjoying lots of coffee and yummy kai too.
Ngaa Mihi,
Alyssa
Monika Lal
Full Teacher Registration
Kia Ora and Namaste.
My name is Monika Lal and originally I am from Fiji. I am married and have two boys.
I did a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environment. In Fiji I was a laboratory technician.
When I came to New Zealand and putting my children into day care it changed my career. I really enjoy being with children and playing and caring for them.
Then I studied ECE through NZTC and here at Play to Learn I am providing quality learning and care for various children with different cultures and ethnicities.
I love working here at Play to Learn especially among the lovely staff where I am encouraged and motivated in achieving my goals as a teacher.
Monika Lal
Esther
Full Teacher Registration
Kia Ora
Ko Kaiapoi tooku waka raaua ko Monowai oouku waka.
Ko Oruoa te awa.
Ko Ruahine paae te maunga.
Ko Esther ahau.
I graduated from teachers' college in 2016 and I am in my third year of teaching.
I have travelled to six countries so far and hope to travel some more. I am passionate about languages and other cultures. I like to do a lot of singing and dancing in my teaching practice, I am a creative soul who loves to encourage ngaa tamariki to be expressive through arts and crafts.
I teach through forming meaningful connections and relationships.
I looking to getting to know everyone at Play to Learn.
Donna Masters
Provisional Registration
Kia Ora,
My name is Donna Masters, 50 years young, married with 3 girls and 2 granddaughters. I have lived in Hamilton all my life except in 2014 when my family and I moved to Doubtless Bay for a year, as my husband was managing a beach resort in Taipa.
I had been working as a waitress but decided in 2013 I would embark on a new career in Eary Childhood Education. I proudly graduated in 2017. Being a teacher had always been something that I wanted to do and now I am in the industry I know I made the right choice.
I strongly believe our children need to be nurtured and be taught in an environment that is caring, safe and loving, a home away from home, and I think that comes across in my teaching style. I look forward to getting to know you all and developing strong relationships with the tamariki and whanau of our Play to Learn community.
Tiana Symons
Support staff member
Kia Ora,
I grew up in Hamilton and have lived here all my life. I come from a really big family being the only girl with five brothers.
I really enjoy music, the creative arts and for me, I love to see the children’s creativity and imagination blossom.
I have always enjoyed looking after friends and families children and it is great where I also get to do this at Play to Learn where the children are so happy, it makes me feel good.