Rātā Educare Newtown is an early learning centre on the upper floor of The Salvation Army hub at 4 Normanby Street in Newtown, Wellington. It takes tamariki from 0 to 6 years old, in two groups: Mokoroa for 0 to 2 year olds, with 10 children a day, and Pepe Tuna for 2 to 5 year olds and older, with 30 a day. The centre has a total capacity of 40 children. Its learning follows Te Whāriki, with influences from Pikler, RIE and Reggio Emilia. An in-house cook makes fresh, whole-food lunches, snacks and morning and afternoon teas each day. Families can also use the Salvation Army's wider support, which includes social workers, a financial mentor and counselling.
The upstairs outdoor area is shared by both groups and has a large sandpit, a climbing fort and a new area for the youngest children. Sleep rooms are calm, and routines are kept close to home. ERO reviewed the centre in 2025 and described a thoughtfully designed environment where teachers respond sensitively to children. Open Locally counts five other childcare listings within a kilometre. Newtown Early Learning Centre and Newtown Playcentre are both 0.2 km away, The Park Early Learning Centre is 0.3 km away, and Kidzone is 0.4 km away.