Te Ara Ki Tua is our Early Childhood Centre based in James Street, Whakatane. The centre provides a bi-lingual learning environment for preschoolers.
Historic overview of Te Ara ki Tua
2001 - Four teenage parents started by meeting in private homes, halls and a care and protection home two days per week. This increased to three days and eventually daily as the group numbers swelled.
2002 - The group created their own programmes which were educationally focused; socially rewaring, culturally sensitive, mentally stimulating and physically beneficial to all those involved at that time and to those who would join in the future.
2004 - In May, the teen parents and their children moved into premises at 17 James Street . Teen Parent Unit (TPU) and the Te Ara ki Tua Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centre was established.
2005 - On 10 January, Ministry of Education approved a licence for 20 enrolment spaces.
2007 - Teen Parent Unit was officially closed on March 2007.
2008 - Te Ara ki Tua Early Childhood Education Centre continues to operate with support from Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngati Awa.
2009 - Temporary resource consent issued to allow continued operation until the establishment of a larger new premises in Golf Links Road. Discretionary Grant Scheme application successful to commence negotiations for building of centre for an extra 30 enrolments.
As at November 2009 there are currently 4 full time and 9 casual staff employmed, committed to caring for 24 tamariki.
