Miss Helmbright said Jhyoti was affectionate, obsessed with water (a common characteristic of the syndrome) and understood English and te reo Maori.
However, her development is severely delayed - she has the mental age of a 2-year-old and the logic of a 9-month-old.
She can't speak and it's unlikely she ever will. She learned to walk just five months ago but her out-turned feet make balancing difficult.
Like most people with the syndrome she suffers from epilepsy, in her case it's severe.
Yet to the other kids at Te Puna Akoranga o Ngati Whakaue, she's just "baby Jhy" and without having to be told, they know she needs a bit more care.
Teacher Purukamu Wallace admits working with Jhyoti can be hard work, but it's worth it.
"I see the rewards, she's learned lots," she said.
"It's about inclusion, she's one of them [the kids]."
Miss Helmbright said since starting at the centre 18 months ago, Jhyoti had made progress despite having funding to attend only four mornings a week.
"It's changed her ... just being around the other children," she said.
"I don't know what she would be like if she hadn't come here."
The single mum, who has put her own plans to study nursing on hold, is optimistic about Jhyoti's future despite the challenges ahead.
"We take it day by day. Hopefully she will live a simple but really happy life."
For more information about Angelman Syndrome, see the website www.angelmannetwork.wordpress.com.
