Home based childcare

Otago

Wild Things Home Based Early Learning: A Legacy of Care

For 23 years, Wild Things Home Based Early Learning has proudly served the Dunedin community, showcasing the dedication and enthusiasm of our Kaiako and the invaluable services we offer to families.

Our team boasts a wealth of experience, with many Kaiako having been with us for over 14 years!
You’ll find us to be friendly, supportive, and kind, sharing plenty of laughter along the way.
We are a close-knit community of Educators, whanau, tamariki, and Visiting Teachers, taking pride in our Wild Things name and the high quality of care we provide to our region.

We offer:

Weekly playgroups
Wild Things in Nature Learning opportunities for ALL children, including our babies
It’s never too early to connect with Papatuanuku and embrace her gifts. Each year, our Kaiako and Tamariki participate in the Otago Polyfest Pasifika festival, a cultural highlight celebrated collectively by our team, tamariki, and whanau.

Looking for the right childcare option for your whānau?

let’s find the perfect fit together.

Family Enquiry →
Find an Educator →

Our korero combines the richness of experiences drawn from our four operating brands, Kids at Home, Wild Things, Gingerbread Cottage and Home Grown Kids. We’ve worked to integrate and support our brands under the Edubase banner while preserving the uniqueness each brand holds. This identity is important to the people aligned to the brand

Our Why

Our Guiding Principles

E.
Empowering

We aspire to empower everyone connected with Edubase to exceed their potential

D.
Devoted

We are passionate about Home Based ECE and are committed to providing best outcomes for tamariki in Aotearoa

U.
Understanding

We care about others and work with empathy and understanding

B.
Belonging

We want everyone within Edubase to feel respected, valued and have a sense of belonging

A.
Authentic

We are transparent and honest about everything we do

S.
Sense

of fun We love what we do and have fun along the way

E.
Excellence

We are united with a common purpose and strive to deliver excellence in in everything we do

To find your community, click your region on the map below

Select Region

Testimonials

From those who love us

BM
North Canterbury

Having a home-based facility close to my work meant that my child was in an environment where she was well cared for and provided opportunities for community activities that she would not have had in a more traditional preschool setting. She thrived in the environment, and I am thankful that this was an option for my child.

Happy Parent
Auckland

We had an amazing experience with Sha as our Home Based Educator. It is very easy to see that she loves kids and is very attuned to their needs. My child felt so at home at Sha’s. She had a calm and caring energy, and she was very easy to communicate with. She learned so many words and skills through play. My toddler ate all her veggies at Sha’s when I couldn’t feed her them at home! Sha has been so wonderful and we highly recommend her!

JK
Levin

My experience was over and beyond of what I expected. Our Educator was exceptional with my child. My girl always wanted to go. She didn’t miss a day unless she was sick. Her Educator took them out everyday, playgroup, parks and other cool outings. The communication was always good. I highly recommend this service if anyone is looking.

Anon

I’m a parent who struggled with anxiety around childcare after a negative experience at a daycare. The home-based care I received through Homegrown Kids was calm, nurturing, and had such positive energy. It genuinely helped ease my anxiety. Our carer was incredibly loving and truly cared about my child, which made all the difference. I highly recommend Homegrown Kids to any parent looking for safe, supportive care.

A&T B
Rangiora

Our Educator, Sharlena, has been both of our children’s caregiver for the past four years and she has treated our children as if they were her own. Both of our kids are incredibly confident, well-rounded individuals who have loved having Sharlena in their lives, and she will be hugely missed by our whole family. We can’t recommend her enough.

First time Mum
Waikato

I was scared and felt so guilty putting my son into care but it was clear from the start how cared for he was and he thrived! He still talks so fondly of his educator even after finishing up. We are forever grateful.
Hamilton, Waikato

G.M
Upper Hutt

Our Educator offered the perfect environment we needed at the time. We will always appreciate the care and support we received. I will definitely recommend.

OH

Absolutely love where my child went, fitted all his needs with his disabilities being autistic, his teacher understood and helped me and my son SO much. The support was outstanding.
Thank you so much.