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Preschool Residential Courses

Preschool Residential Courses at our Early Years Whānau Centre in Christchurch

Families of preschool children from around the regions (outside of the Auckland and Christchurch areas) have the opportunity to attend a three-day residential programme.

What to expect

We provide support in variety of areas, including Deaf role models, NZSL/visual communication, Deaf Culture, Speech and Language Assessment, Early Literacy, Parent to Parent Support, Social Support and Guidance, Audiology and resource ideas. Families will also have the opportunity to meet other families of Deaf children at the Early Years Whānau Centre (EYWC) in Christchurch.

Your local District Health Board covers transportation costs of you, your child and other support person, and meals and accommodation are provided at no charge by Ko Taku Reo; dietary requirements can be catered for. You will be accommodated in our shared spacious homes on site.

On completion, families leave with a photo experience book highlighting their time with us.

A comprehensive report is also sent to the whānau, AoDC and other relevant parties within three weeks of departure.

Enrolment Process

Spaces are limited to three families per course. Where there are more applications than spaces, priority of placement will be given to students who:

  • Have a language delay
  • Have a late diagnosis
  • Are using NZSL as main communication with no connection to the Deaf community
  • Have limited engagement with/access to current services
  • Have not attended before and are close to starting school
  • Are outside of Auckland or Christchurch who face barriers accessing services

Preschool Residential Course Enrolment Intakes

There will be two enrolment intakes per year.

  • Applications open: Term 3, Week 9, 2025
    Applications close: Term 4, Week 3, 2025
    Applicants notified: Term 4, Week 4, 2025

  • Applications open: Term 1, Week 9, 2026
    Applications close: Term 2, Week 3, 2026
    Applicants notified: Term 2, Week 4, 2026

2026 Preschool Residential Course Dates

    • 2 - 4 March
    • 16 - 18 March
    • 4 - 6 May
    • 18 - 20 May
    • 8 - 10 June

For more information, please contact:

Tina Harrison
Early Years Programme Lead
tina.harrison@kotakureo.school.nz
M: 027 243 5294