
Highland
Park
Nestled next to Lloyd Elsmore Park, our Highland Park centre is a dedicated Montessori preschool — registered with Montessori New Zealand — set in a beautiful natural environment. We blend the Montessori approach with the Te Whāriki culturally-responsive framework, and offer flexible enrolment options including short days, long days, and full-time care to suit every family's needs.
Take a Tour of Highland Park






What We Offer
Dedicated Montessori programme
Registered with Montessori New Zealand
Te Whāriki framework
Flexible enrolment options
20 Hours ECE funding
Next to Lloyd Elsmore Park
Li'l Champs Philosophy
At Li'l Champs Early Learning Centre, 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 are proud to provide a safe yet challenging, well-resourced environment to meet the developmental needs of all children enrolled in our service.
We value exploration and discovery and actively encourage children to express their creativity, ask questions, try new ideas, and develop their problem-solving skills.
We acknowledge and embrace the cultural diversity of our community 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.
Our programme is designed to equip children as capable and competent learners, ready to take their place in the wider world. New Zealand has a unique bicultural heritage and we endeavour to acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi, and reflect both Māori and European languages, traditions and culture in our resources, environment and programme. We include Montessori based learning experiences as well as mainstream Early Childhood experiences which align with our New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum – Te Whāriki.
Resources

Montessori Approach
Maria Montessori was a pioneer of early childhood education, working at the beginning of the 20th century to develop an approach that supports children to unfold their own potential through freedom to explore a carefully prepared environment.
Explore Now
Montessori Parent Guide
Being informed about your choices helps you to make good decisions for your family, your child and their future. Montessori is a philosophy that puts the child at the centre of their own learning.
Explore Now
Ultra Parenting Glasses for Far-Sighted Parents
As a parent, there will be times when you are very challenged by your children. This guide offers perspective and practical strategies to help you see the bigger picture.
Explore NowWhat Families Say
Trusted by hundreds of Auckland & Wellington families
“We visited three different centres before choosing Li'l Champs. The difference was immediately obvious — the calm, purposeful environment and the quality of teacher-child interactions set it apart completely.”
Ready to Enrol?
Secure your child's place at Highland Park today. Our team will be in touch within one business day.
Have a Question?
Get in touch with our Highland Park team directly — we'd love to show you around.
