The owners of Tauranga's newest childcare centre might be tapping into a lucrative market - but have their feet planted firmly on the ground.
Owners of Maungatapu Preschool Vicky Scammell and Karen Reeves said opening the centre on Maungatapu Rd wasn't "all about profit. We are passionate about teaching".
The women, whobetween them have 42 years experience in early childhood education (ECE), said the centre reflected the needs of their area, and Ms Scammell said parents nowadays demanded more from ECE centres than ever before.
"Parents are wanting learning as well as care," she said. "They don't just want a babysitter. They are paying for the service and want a good quality education centre."
The number of education and care centres in New Zealand has grown to 2236 - that's up 27.5 per cent since 2005.
Ms Scammell said the demand for ECE was burgeoning as more mothers returned to work.
"It's hard slog out there. If you have good quality childcare, parents aren't as worried about putting their children into care," she said.
Maungatapu Preschool, which officially opened last Saturday is a purpose-built childcare centre, constructed on a site that once housed a rental owned by Ms Scammell.
She said Maungatapu Preschool filled a niche in the student market, with their centre being close to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's Windermere campus.
"The centre at the polytechnic fills up with students' and faculty members' children. People from Papamoa and Te Puke can also come through and drop their kids off here."
Ms Scammell said "instead of big sterile centres" Maungatapu had a much more homely feel.
"It's built like a house. It's very spacious, with a lot of room, a computer wing and grass outside. It's a natural environment more like a home."
The centre, which has 23 on the roll and the capacity to cater for 45, is the first preschooleither Ms Scammell and Mrs Reeves have owned.
Prior to setting up the centre, both women held managerial positions at ECE centres.
Children who attend the preschool will also have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricula activities from dance to swimming and gyminis (children's gymnastics).
