Atawhai Kids is a teacher-led early childhood centre at 8 Hodgson Place in Atawhai, Nelson, caring for children from three months until they start school. The centre caps groups at 50 children and keeps a high ratio of teachers. All teaching staff are fully qualified early childhood teachers or teachers in training. It is open Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 5.15pm, with mornings, afternoons or full days available. It closes only for public holidays and a two-week break over Christmas and New Year.
Children go on regular walks to local parks and excursions across Nelson, and the centre has links with Clifton Terrace School and Hira Rural School to help children move on to school. Each child has a profile book on display, and learning is shared through Storypark. Full-time children receive at least six learning stories a year, and part-time children at least four, along with two Journeys of Discovery. The centre welcomes te reo Māori and tikanga, and families are welcome to visit at any time. It suits Nelson families who want a teacher-led centre close to home.