About
Us
Since 2012, Li'l Champs has valued quality over quantity — keeping our centre numbers low so every child enjoys a genuine, personal relationship with our teachers. We place children at the heart of all we do, giving them a nurturing environment in which to grow, learn and thrive.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.”— Maria Montessori
Family-owned licensed early childhood centres combining Montessori philosophy with New Zealand's Te Whariki curriculum. Small centres (45–80 students) ensuring every child receives individual attention.
Our Aim
We aim to provide your family with the best early childhood care and education experience possible. Working in partnership with parents, whanau and our communities — we place children at the heart of all we do.
By maintaining small-sized centres, we provide intimate settings where children get individual focus and attention, helping them grow into competent and capable learners.
Small-sized centres ensuring best care, individual attention and focus for your child.
We pride ourselves on the strong child-teacher-parent relationship we foster.
Children are at the heart of everything we do, providing a loving and caring environment.
Top-of-the-line equipment. Low teacher-to-child ratio means plenty of time tailoring learning to your child.
Centres in convenient locations with very affordable services.
Our Journey
The Beginning — Blockhouse Bay
Li'l Champs was born in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland — a single centre built on the belief that every child deserves love, laughter, and quality learning.
Growing — Papatoetoe Opens
Our second centre opened in Papatoetoe, bringing quality early education to more South Auckland families.
Mission Heights — Montessori Preschool
Mission Heights opened with a dedicated Montessori Preschool component — our most comprehensive Montessori programme yet, serving children from 18 months.
Highland Park Joins
Highland Park welcomed even more East Auckland families to our growing whānau, with the same nurturing, individual care.
Aotea & Mangere Bridge
Two new centres opened — Mangere Bridge in Auckland, and Aotea in Porirua, marking our very first step into the Wellington region.
Onehunga & Kenepuru — Many More to Come
Onehunga (Auckland) and Kenepuru Landing (Porirua) joined our growing whānau across Auckland and Wellington — with many more to come. Our founding philosophy — quality over quantity — remains at the heart of everything.
Our Values
Love
Every child is loved and valued as a unique individual. Our teachers build genuine, lasting bonds with every family.
Laughter
Joy is at the heart of learning. We create environments where children feel free to laugh, explore, and be themselves.
Learning
Te Whariki aligned. We nurture curious minds through hands-on discovery and self-directed exploration.
Respect
Every child, parent, and teacher is treated with dignity and respect. Relationships are the foundation of everything we do.
Family
We operate as family-owned centres. Parents are partners in their child's journey — involved in every step of development.
Trust
Families trust us with their most precious people. We honour that trust every single day with transparency and care.
Parent Partnership
Parents are partners in every aspect of their child's development — even when not physically present. Strong child-teacher-parent relationships are central to everything we do.
Our Approach
Te Whariki Framework
New Zealand's national early childhood curriculum underpins everything we do — a natural alignment with national best practice that nurtures every child's growth, belonging and wellbeing.
Healthy Heart Programme
We partner with the Heart Foundation's Healthy Heart Programme. On-site cooks prepare fresh, nutritious meals daily using seasonal ingredients — because healthy bodies support healthy minds.
Transition to School Programme
A specialised school-readiness programme prepares children for their next step. Most begin reading and writing before school entry — transitioning to school confident, capable and ready to thrive.
Montessori Philosophy
Self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Children make creative choices while teachers guide with age-appropriate activities. Our Mission Heights and Highland Park centres run dedicated Montessori programmes registered with Montessori New Zealand.
“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.”
Our Philosophy
At Li'l Champs Early Learning Centres, we promote genuine, respectful relationships between teachers, children and families, and value open, honest, reciprocal communication. Our staff provide an encouraging and empowering environment for Learning.
Interactions are caring and nurturing, and children are supported to develop a strong sense of belonging in an environment fuelled by Love.
We acknowledge and embrace the cultural diversity of our communities and enjoy honouring a wide variety of celebrations and traditions. Fun and Laughter are an important part of our day.
Children are recognised and valued as individuals as we support them to build on their individual strengths, interests, gifts and talents, and encourage them in developing independence and personal responsibility.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.”
Frederick Douglass
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
Albert Einstein