Welcome to Albany Centre
The Just Kidz Albany centre operates from a large purpose-built 4 room centre that caters for up to 98 children from 3 months to 5 years, located in 5 William Pickering Drive in Albany.
We are a warm, approachable team who understand that the success of an early childhood centre lies in building and maintaining genuine reciprocal relationships with our children, families, teaching team and community.
Our teachers respect and value cultural diversity to ensure that all cultures are acknowledged.
As educators we believe in nurturing and teaching children to become competent and confident learners who are capable of thinking independently and believe in their own strength and abilities to achieve, think and take pride in their own learning and everything they accomplish.
Parent Testimonials
Lucas has been enrolled with Just Kidz for approx 4 months now. In the short time he has been there, we have watched him grow and develop through the Clever tasks and activities his class teachers create. Leaving our child in someone else’s care was daunting at first but the love he has for his friends and teachers and vice versa really shows and we know we made the right choice with Just Kidz. He’s one happy little boy – and we know that he is being nurtured in a way that we could not provide ourselves if we were to keep him at home. Just Kidz are wonderful and we are thankful to each and everyone, everyday! Thank you for helping him grow.l and for being his day mother and father.
Nadia JoosteBoth of my kids are here in Just Kidz. They enjoyed their stay so much. All the teachers are so nice and helpful with a lot of patience with the kids. They planed various kinds of activities for them and a lot of toys for them to explore. And I loved their detailed reports everyday about their food, activities, daily routine etc, which are really helpful for us to get an idea of what is their day like. They also have amazing monthly report from which I discovered so many different aspects of my children that I never knew at home. Big thanks to the teachers!
AnnieTeachers are pro, not only taking care of children, also guide children’s society skills, encourage children to explore in professional way. Hannah was afraid of slide after got hurt from falling, but teacher encouraged her to overcome the fear and built up the confidence.
The teachers from this center are caring，warm-hearted, professional with Love. Bless this centerSelina Wu
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We work closely with the parents and family to develop the best learning and environment opportunities for our children. Our common goal is our children’s wellbeing and development and to provide them with a positive learning environment where they can learn and grow alongside each other.
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Our team promotes an open-door policy and communication process that encourages children, staff, management and parents/whanau/caregivers to feel a sense of belonging within our environment.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information regarding our centre or if you would like to come and visit our friendly and nurturing environment.
Meet Our Team
Roger Tan
Franchisee Owner
Hello, my name is Roger Tan, I am from Beijing in China. I have a deep passion for providing quality childcare and education. I take great joy from observing and encouraging children as they develop into life-long learners, creating, discovering, making social connections and becoming confident in their abilities. It is my aim to provide an environment when your child can grow healthily and happily.
I am very excited to share with you my beautiful pre-school in Albany, with brand new equipment, wonderful staff and advanced management support and experience. Please come by soon and see it for yourself. We would love to show you why we are so successful. We will be opening in July 2018. Please call our head office for enquiries, email us or visit our website for updates.
Joy Cho
Centre Manager
Kia Ora. My name is Joy CHO. I am originally from Korea and I have been living in New Zealand since 2000. I did my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Christchurch and graduated at the University of Canterbury. I am a dedicated and fully registered early childhood teacher with a passion for children’s learning and care.
I believe children’s early stage of life is so crucial to the adult they will become, and I love having a part of and making a difference to their learning and development. Here at Just Kidz Albany we incorporate Te Whariki into our everyday life, I especially enjoy encouraging Parents, Families and Whanau into taking part in our service as well as adopting parents’ contribution in their children’s learning and development. I believe that each child is unique, competent and capable. I enjoy working collaboratively with families, children, parents and teachers towards the common goal of ensuring that children have the opportunities to gain knowledge in all areas that are meaningful to them. We have the most wonderful team of teachers here at Just Kidz Albany and I feel privileged to be part of it. I look forward to working with you and your children.
Emma Kwon
Assistant Centre Manager
Kia Ora.
My name is Emma Kwon. I am from Korea and arrived in New Zealand since 2011. I finished my graduate Diploma of Teaching in New Zealand Tertiary College.
I as a fully registered teacher have five years of experience in Early Childhood Education Sector and have been working with all age group from infants to pre-schoolers. I am a person who thrive in a challenging environment that I can implement my great initiative and ability to organise and manage tasks to a high standard. I will always endeavour to provide a wide range of learning experiences and creative environment. Here at Just Kidz Allbany, I am look forward to working with you and your children.
Kerena Harris
Head Teacher
Hi, my name is Kerena Harris.
I have a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education and am fully registered. I have been working with young children for 10 years and love seeing them learn and grow. I live with my partner and in my spare time enjoy seeing my friends and family.
I have a passion to work with and teach infants and toddlers and look forward to getting to know all the children and families.
Abby
Teacher
Hi, Everyone.
My name is Abby and I am from China. I have been in New Zealand for five years and I have found my deep passion for the children and the early childhood education. I have completed the 3 years Bachelor of Teaching and has become a qualified teacher which will also constantly encourage me to update my pedagogical knowledge and teaching strategy.
I believe that each child is unique as they have their individual social, emotional, intellectual and physical qualities. Every child deserve the opportunity to learn in ways that enable the development of their abilities and the strengths. As a teacher in Just Kidz Albany, I will provide the appropriate guidance for the children and help their holistic development.
Juliana Croukamp
Teacher
My name is Juliana Croukamp, I am currently studying Psychology and I plan on getting my qualification in Early Childhood Education in 2020.
I have always been fascinated by the potential that every child shows, even from a very young age. Children are the future of our world, and therefore I believe that it is very important to support and encourage them from the very beginning of their lives, to reach their fullest potential.
To be able to play a part in a young child’s development is such a special opportunity, one that comes with great responsibility. I look forward to grasping this opportunity with both hands.
![Melissa-Sullivan-Teacher](/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Melissa-Sullivan-Teacher.jpg")
Melissa Sullivan
Teacher
My name is Melissa Sullivan. I am from South Africa and have been in New Zealand for 2 months. I have a diploma in early childhood education and have been working with young children for 6 years. I have found that it is my passion to work and teach young children of any age and love watching them grow. I look forward to working with you and your children
Sarah Broughton
Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Sarah Broughton. I am from Auckland, New Zealand and have been here all my life. I have achieved N.C.E.A Level One, Two and Three. I have also achieved a Level 2 Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
I have a passion for the development and wellbeing of our children. I believe each child is unique and learn differently. Having this opportunity to be an educator at JustKidz Albany is extremely rewarding as I get to do what I love most.
Danien Van Heerden
Cook
Hi, Everyone. My name is Danien Van Heerden and started at Justkidz Albany as a cook. I am originally from South Africa, my husband and I decided to move to wonderful New Zealand 6 year ago. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, cooking and spending time with friends and family. I feel super privileged to be part of the Just Kidz Albany team, providing all the little ones with healthy balanced meals..