Our kaimahi

Our kaiako are qualified early childhood teachers who bring a rich mix of training, experience, and passion for supporting tamariki in our centres.

Many hold a Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) or higher qualifications, while others are continuing their studies or bring valuable experience from years of working alongside young children.

Together, they create warm, responsive learning environments where tamariki are supported to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Our kaiako are guided by Te Whāriki, Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, and supported by ongoing professional development and wider Barnardos teams. This ensures they have the knowledge, resources, and support to respond to each child’s individual learning journey.

Our Home Based Educators are nurturing, experienced individuals who provide early learning in the comfort of a home setting.

Before becoming an Educator, each person completes a comprehensive induction programme to ensure they understand the expectations of their role and have the knowledge needed to support tamariki well.

All Home Based Educators are required to hold, or be working towards, a Level 4 Early Childhood qualification, as set by the Ministry of Education. They are also supported to continue their study through ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.

They are supported through regular visits from qualified Visiting Teachers, along with professional development and first aid refreshers, ensuring their practice continues to grow and meet high quality standards. 

Our Educators are passionate about creating safe, caring, and engaging home environments where tamariki can learn through play, relationships, and everyday experiences.

Our Visiting Teachers are qualified early childhood teachers who support our Home Based Educators and help ensure high quality learning experiences for every child.

They work alongside Educators and behind the scenes to guide learning, provide professional support and mentorship, and to help ensure every home environment is safe, nurturing, and well supported. 

Visiting Teachers regularly visit homes to observe learning, provide feedback, and work with Educators to plan experiences that respond to each child’s interests and development.

They also maintain regular communication with whānau, including at least monthly contact, to build a holistic professional understanding of each child’s Home Based experience. This helps ensure learning is responsive, consistent, and aligned with their wellbeing, strengths, and whānau aspirations.

In Home Based Early Learning, Visiting Teachers play an important role in connecting everything together, supporting both Educators and whānau so tamariki can thrive.

Our Centre Managers lead and support our early learning centres, helping to create safe, welcoming, and well supported environments where tamariki, whānau, and kaimahi can thrive.

They are responsible for the overall leadership and day to day running of the centre, ensuring high quality early learning is consistently delivered in line with Te Whāriki and Barnardos Early Learning expectations.

Centre Managers work closely with kaiako to support teaching and learning, guide centre practices, and foster strong, responsive relationships with tamariki and whānau. They play an important role in shaping the culture of the centre, making sure it is inclusive, respectful, and grounded in strong relationships.

For whānau, Centre Managers are often a key point of contact. They are available to listen, support conversations about your child’s learning, and help ensure your experience within the centre is positive and connected.

They also support the professional growth and wellbeing of kaiako, ensuring teams are well resourced, supported, and able to focus on what matters most, the learning and wellbeing of tamariki.

At the heart of their role is creating a centre community where children feel a strong sense of belonging and whānau feel welcomed, informed, and supported.

Our Community Coordinators are often the first connection whānau have with Barnardos Early Learning. They play a key role in welcoming families, understanding their needs, and helping them find the right early learning pathway for their child.

They support whānau through the initial enquiry and enrolment process, taking the time to listen and learn about your child, your whānau, and what is important to you. This helps ensure we can make thoughtful matches and provide the best possible start to your early learning journey.

Community Coordinators work closely with Centre Managers, Kaiako, Home Based Educators, and Visiting Teachers to ensure transitions into care are smooth, supportive, and well communicated. They help connect all the pieces so whānau feel informed and confident at every stage.

You may also see them at centre events, open days, and community gatherings, where they continue to build relationships and stay connected with whānau beyond the enrolment process.

Behind every early learning experience is a wider group of kaimahi who support our services.

This includes teams working in administration, operations, learning support, and organisational roles. While you may not always see them, their work helps ensure everything runs safely, smoothly, and consistently.