Our educators have a real passion for being with kids, and that comes through again and again... it’s all about relationships... - Susan Phua, Director

Welcome to Wild Things where we are all about inspiring today's learners within creative and fun learning environments to lay the foundations for tomorrow. 

We offer the families of Otago and Southland a comprehensive network of passionate home-based educators, to provide the highest quality home-based early childhood education and care for your children.  With over 15 years’ experience we are committed to offering professional, quality early childhood education.

Why Come To Wild Things?

  • We provide education and care for children from 0-5. This means your child can develop a secure attachment with one educator in a consistent learning environment
  • We offer flexibility in hours with negotiable drop off and pick up times so whatever your commitments we can work with you
  • Your child’s usual home routines can be carried out in the educators’ home including things like sleep and meal times
  • Our home-based care works for families with children of mixed ages, for example your baby and 3 year old can be looked after together
  • Your child will enjoy a range of natural family childhood experiences like baking, playing in the garden, going for walks and outings along with joining in with playgroups and in larger group settings 
  • With low child to adult ratios (1:4) your child gets personalised attention and learning is catered to their needs 
  • We foster a child led, play based learning programme and we follow the New Zealand national early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki
  • Through the Wild Things Readiness for School programme children become capable and competent learners 
Learn More

Latest News from Wild Things

2018 Wild Things Annual Workshops - 9th & 11th of June 2018

We are very excited to confirm Seattle’s best known Pre School Teacher, Blogger and now author of his first book, Tom Hobson (aka Teacher Tom) for the Wild Things’ Annual Workshops in 2018. For the pa...

2017 Top National Award in Home-Based ECE goes to Wild Things Educator, Monika Gamble!

It is certainly a highlight of the year - the award of the National Educator-of-the-Year 2017 by the NZHBCA to Monika Gamble during its Annual National Conference in Wellington.  This is the second ti...

Healthy Heart Programme for Early Childhood Education: Tohu Manawa Ora – Kōhungahunga

Healthy Heart Award – new tips & activities to do with children   Healthy Heart Hot Tip #32 - A healthy breakfast gives everyone a great start to the day.  Try toast, porridge and/or a fruit smoothie....