Just Four Kids Central Otago

24/07/2026

Here's my somewhat unpopular opinion about caring for kids during the summer months: they need as much time as possible to be unhurried and gloriously unstructured.

Those slightly boring, self-directed hours, the ones that can feel almost lazy, are where so much real development happens. Kids are using their imaginations, problem-solving, learning resilience, and finding ways to be calm. In fact, researchers are now linking the loss of this kind of free time to rising anxiety in children.

Our kids need days that are unscheduled. They need to lose track of time.

So this summer, whatever yours looks like, give them, and yourself, permission to simply be. ❤️

Check out the article for my full thoughts: https://tinyurl.com/33ucjpn

22/07/2026

Great perspective on early writing skills… it starts with moving….

20/07/2026

Over the last few months in Oamaru, our team of curious learners have been visiting the penguin and seal colony’s imagine our delight to see these two layings captured. We can follow the whole process from a distance, while feeling up close and getting to know the penguins and their babies so well. Conservation of our local creatures is a strong part of our local curriculum. 💞

19/07/2026

28/03/2026

Discover science-backed parenting insights with Nathan Wallis, New Zealand’s leading neuroscience educator. BrainyParenting.com offers on-demand webinars that help you understand your child’s brain—at every age and stage. Learn how to build emotional resilience, improve learning, and navigate ...

06/02/2026

Happy
Waitangi day

03/01/2026

Hope everyone’s break has been as relaxed as it has been for these three! Unfortunately, this weather hasn’t been great for the strawberries and there’s not enough ripe fruit for us to open the patch tomorrow (4th Jan)

We will keep the farm fridge topped up with a few punnets as they ripen, and we’ll let you know as soon as we’re ready to reopen the farm. Thanks so much for your patience and support 🍓

31/12/2025

Are you looking for quality homebased care for your little person in 2026?
Introducing Jodie Tilson, Jodie is one of our amazing homebased Educators.
Jodie is taking enrolments now!!! Jodie, is a qualified registered ECE teacher with many years of experience working alongside preschoolers and their families. Jodie has worked with our Just Four Kids whānau as one of our beautiful Nannies over the last 2 years, and now Jodie is set up to offer homebased care and education from her home in the stunning Fruitlands area. Jodie’s homebased curriculum will have a child led learning focus, which is beautifully supported with our wonderful one adult with up to four child ratio. Jodie’s home offers children the chance to experience a home away from home environment, with un-hurried time to delight in nature while discovering more about their world around them, there will be a strong nature vibe, with lots of time for outdoor exploration and adventures, along with community outings and small group interest focused projects for early school concepts such as maths, letters recognition and reading. To learn more about Jodie’s homebased environment call us to make time to visit with Jodie and her little learners. Call Kara 021 0232 9918 or email [email protected] or FB message us at Just Four Kids Central Otago