1. Home >
2. Early Childhood Learning Centre >

Te Whare Kōhungahunga o UC | Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC)

ECLC at UC

Welcome to Te Whare Kōhungahunga o UC | Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC), the University of Canterbury’s Early Years Care and Education centre. We accommodate children up to six years old, and accept enrolments from UC students, staff and members of the wider community. We are uniquely placed at the heart of the UC Ilam campus, and offer short-day care (up to 7 hours a day), or long-day care between 7.30am to 5.30pm. Children at ECLC are in a privileged position to connect with, and tap into the resources and expertise of the University to support their learning and development. Check out the stories of our children's experiences at https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/earlychildhood/news-and-events/ 

Hours and fees

We are open from 7.30am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday for the duration of the year, except approximately 2 weeks around Christmas and New Year holidays.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy embodies the principles of Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa | New Zealand Early childhood curriculum, and aims to meet the individual needs and developmental milestone of each child attending the Centre.

Our programme

Our daily programme is specifically designed for each child group and adopt the principles of creative free play.

A multicultural experience

With over 26 languages spoken in our Centre we are one of Christchurch's most diverse early childhood centres and celebrate all aspects of the wonderful cultures that come together here.

Connecting with you and your baby

Strong links between the Centre and the home are important. We work with you to help your child settle and build a sense of belonging in the Centre. 

Aisha and Omar's story

Read about some of the families at our Centre.

Resources for families/whanau

This section contains useful information about transitioning your child for school, and has resources available for parenting help.

Settling in and on-going care

It's important for both child and family to have an unhurried and extended introduction when they first start at ECLC.

The Mencls family story

Read about our families' stories from around the world.