Cromwell Early Learning Centre began in 1954 as a parent-run play centre, and it has kept that role as a not-for-profit incorporated society since 2000. Parents take part in running the centre, and they are welcome to visit their child and join in the play at any time. The centre takes children aged two to six, in bright classrooms, and it has an all-day licence. Children can attend a full day, a school day, or a morning or afternoon session, which is at least three hours. The Adventurers programme is for four-year-olds who like to explore, and the centre runs a transition-to-school programme that links with two local primary schools. Children learn about gardening, recycling and worm composting in a large outdoor area. Inside, there is a sleep room with stretchers for children who want to rest, and an interactive whiteboard. Te reo and tikanga are part of daily life here, in line with the centre's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The centre is on Monaghan Street in Cromwell, Central Otago.