Second Home Early Learning is an early childhood centre on Fleet Street in Eden Terrace, Auckland, where the teachers are called Aunties and the rooms are named after a home: the bedroom, dining room, living room and garden. The centre is built around relationships between children, carers, whānau and the wider community, and its philosophy draws on Te Ao Māori, Dr Emmi Pikler and the Reggio Emilia principles. Small groups keep it family-like, and the centre uses te reo Māori in its daily practice, alongside the languages and cultures families bring with them. Children have open-ended play resources, and each child is supported to explore at their own pace.
Families can choose a flexible option for shorter days, a full day of care and learning, or weekly care, where children follow consistent rituals and routines. Children must be booked for a minimum of three days, and the centre does not offer 20 hours ECE. The website describes the programme as built on kindness, respect, trust, collaboration, joy and wonder.