These three simple words capture the vision of our Centre.
We provide a natural learning environment where children are playing,
learning and growing, under the guidance of well-trained,
professional and experienced teachers.
The leading team at Play Learn Grow Early Childcare understand that health and safety is the biggest priority for families.
We believe that people are the heart of the matter. We value playfulness, happiness, resilience, connections and experiencing success as learners.
If you are a new parent, have a question about early childhood or need any extra information, forms and documents for Play Learn Grow here’s everything you need.
Our staff are passionate professionals dedicated to helping children flourish. We pride ourselves on teaching mathematics, literacy, art, music and dance, language, science and active play through creative thinking and exploration.
Kia Ora, my name is Salote Finau Tali Smith and I originated from Tonga. I migrated to Aotearoa in 1987, so consider New Zealand my home. My husband is from Fiji and we have 6 children and 1 grandson. I have worked in childcare for over 8 years and I absolutely love children, watching them grow and explore our beautiful environment. Making sure every child is well looked after and feels happy, safe & secure is my ambition. I’m looking forward to welcoming parents and children into our centre and ensuring a smooth transition into the wonderful Play Learn Grow Family.
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Ruapekapeka rāua ko Panguru Papata ōku Maunga
Ko Ngaruawahine rāua ko Whakarapa ōku Awa Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua tōku Waka
Ko Akerama rāua ko Waipuna ōku Marae
Ko Te Rarawa tōku Iwi
Tēnā koutou e te Whānau
Ko Shannon tōku ingoa. My name is Shannon and I’m very lucky to be a part of the amazing teaching team here at Play, Learn and Grow. Ever since I was really young, I have had a passion for helping our tamariki learn and grow and help them become confident and strong in knowing who they are and where they are going. I also have a very strong passion for Te Ao Maori which I will be teaching the tamariki through different ways. I am a Mama of two Beautiful tamariki! In my spare time I love hanging out with my babies, whānau and friends, going camping, swimming at the beach, creeks and rivers and being amongst nature.
Please feel free to come and introduce yourself! I cannot wait to meet you all!
Ngā mihi aroha
Kio Ora, my name is Summer. I am originally from China and have been in New Zealand for over four years. I began working with children in February 2016 and became a registered teacher in 2017 with a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Teaching).
What I love about early childhood is how different everyday can be. Each child is unique and I am passionate about watching and helping the children grow.
In my spare time I am a gym goer and also enjoy running and hiking outdoors. Being close to nature is one of the reasons I love living in New Zealand. I really enjoyed camping, snorkelling and travelling around New Zealand.
I am looking forward to meeting you all.
Hi, I’m Brooke Watt and I am the receptionist at Play Learn Grow, but am also at teachers training college. It brings me joy welcoming everyone into our centre and being the first point of contact at the start of each day! I love interacting with people, especially our young tamariki. I enjoy being active and playing sports. I have been playing netball from a very young age and was lucky enough to have played in the Auckland Skycity Mystics team in 2017. I’ve since then had a break from playing sport having given birth to my first child in September 2018. In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and going to the beach. Being around our tamariki and watching them learn and grow is the most rewarding job and everyone here is one big Whanau.
Talofa Lave, my name is Fuapepe Vae. I am originally from Samoa. I speak fluently in my own mother tongue. I came from Samoa and resided in Christchurch in 1989. I am married with 3 children, 2 boys, 1 girl and I’m blessed with 6 grandchildren. I went to Christchurch College of Education and gained a Diploma of Teaching and Learning (ECE). I worked at Multicultural Pre School in Christchurch for 6 years and 1 year at Just Kidds Community.
We moved to Auckland after the earthquakes in 2011 and I worked at Christian Preschool in Cape Road, Mangere from 2013- 2019. I resigned from there in April, due to family matters.
Its a pleasure for me to work at Play Learn Grow, getting to know the children and their families and work together developing the whole child because they are unique in terms of life experience and a precious gift from God.
Kia Ora , Привет and Hello families! My name is Erika and I am a qualified registered Early Childhood Teacher, I have been teaching full time for about 3 years and part time for 4 years. I am excited to be the newest team member of Play Learn Grow, I look forward to getting to know you all better and teaching your child. I love the outdoors and learning new skills and having fun in my job! I recently got married during the Covid 19 lockdown. My husband and I are both Russian adoptees, we were lucky enough to purchase our first home together last year out West.
Bula Vinaka my name is Rebecca ‘Eva. My roots tie me back to Fiji and Tonga but I am Kiwi born! I decided to become an ECE teacher as I am passionate about holistic nurturing and making a difference in children’s lives as they are so precious and will grow to be the next generation of leaders, teachers, nurses etc. Watching each child’s development and smiles are the most fulfilling part of my role and know that I have done my job as a teacher. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). I can’t wait to meet the children and parents!
With families of our own and a strong affiliation with West Auckland, our goal was to build a space where people are the heart of the matter.
Our purpose-built, open-plan facility has a truly remarkable design, featuring an abundance of natural light and a peaceful layout that blends with the environment.
Clever use of space and superior sound-proofing creates flow and separation between the designated learning areas, pockets for playtime and restful spaces for quiet time. Play Learn Grow takes a holistic view when it comes to helping children flourish – and of course, we make it fun!
If you are looking at starting your child, want more information on early childhood education, or want to join the team please get in touch.
Ages 3 months - 6 years
Our Opening Hours are Monday - Friday 7:00am - 6:30pm
Fill out the contact form or call us on the number below.
09 818 2000
20 Sabulite Road, Kelston, Auckland
Mon – Fri, 7.00am – 6.30pm
