Islington Early Childhood Centre is a not-for-profit, community-based early childhood centre in North East Valley, Dunedin, on Islington Street. Its website says it began in 1973 as a parent-run cooperative, and that it has served the community for more than 50 years. Its sessions are kept small, with up to 20 children, and families are encouraged to take part in the centre. The website says it is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm, including during school term breaks. Its approach is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with a focus on whanaungatanga, curiosity and creativity, and it uses te reo Māori concepts in its philosophy.
Parents say the teachers are genuine, caring and dedicated, and that they make time to talk to parents when needed. One family with two sons say the smaller size means the teachers really know each child and help develop their own interests. Another praises the strong parent involvement and the not-for-profit, community-run feel. Reviewers mention dedicated teachers and child wellbeing most often. The centre's own pages describe a place where children are cared for as learners who can grow in confidence and identity.