One of the (many!) big decisions you’ll make as a parent involves choosing the best care and education for your child.
In New Zealand, over 96% of children from birth to school entry age attend some form of ECE (early childhood education). Right now, you might be one of many parents weighing up home-based vs childcare centres.
It’s worth knowing that both options can offer safe, nurturing environments for tamariki, but one may be more suitable for your family than the other. This guide helps you compare ECE options in New Zealand, for clarity and confidence as your little one takes another step forward.
1. Group sizes and ratios
In home-based ECE environments, children are taught in groups of four or fewer. At centres, group sizes are typically larger, although exact child-to-educator ratios depend on the number and age of children in a class. Ratios are regulated by the Education Regulations 2008.
How might group sizes impact children?
- Home-based ECE: In smaller groups, a quieter environment allows for more one-on-one attention and teaching that’s more closely tailored to the individual child.
- Childcare centres: In larger group settings, children engage in more group learning experiences and are exposed to more peer interaction, which could help build confidence and social skills.
Some children thrive in busy environments. Others prefer a calmer setting where teaching styles are more centred around the individual child.
2. Flexibility for families
Your practical lifestyle demands are likely to come into the picture when weighing up home-based care vs daycare. In general, home-based care offers more flexible hours while centres work to fixed hours.
Here’s how that usually plays out for different families:
- Home-based ECE: Childcare can go beyond regular daycare hours (to cover things like breakfast or dinner time), with routines often adaptable to your schedule. This is useful if you work long or irregular shifts. When choosing an educator, find out if their availability is a good match for your schedule.
- Childcare centres: Fixed hours provide structured schedules for families, although some centres may offer extra care either side of regular hours.
The choice may come down to how much flexibility your family needs on a day-to-day basis.
3. Routine consistency
An important consideration in care for toddlers and babies, both home-based and childcare centres in NZ value routines.
They can just look a little different in each setting:
- Home-based ECE: Routines are often more tailored to the child. Smaller groups make it easier to mirror home routines you may have established.
- Childcare centres: The day-to-day is based on structured routines across the group. There’s less room for individuals to set their own pace, but this approach can help older children transition to school-like environments.
Research shows that regular routines support healthy emotional development and self-regulation in early childhood. The “best” approach to routine varies between children and depends on their unique needs.
4. Curriculum and learning styles
Neither option is “more educational” than the other in the NZ home-based care vs daycare debate. A mandatory curriculum framework is in place (Te Whāriki Curriculum) for the entire ECE age group (0-5 years).
However, there are some differences in how educators apply the curriculum:
- Home-based ECE: Guided by Te Whāriki, home-based educators often establish their own philosophy and make space for spontaneity, with teaching guided by the child’s interests and learning styles. Many educators incorporate play, community, and natural environments into daily life.
- Childcare centres: Group activities and planned programmes are guided by the curriculum, as children learn from educators as well as peers of the same age.
The Te Whāriki approach is woven into both childcare settings. The difference here comes down to delivery.
5. Consistent educator
In home-based teaching environments, children work with one educator on a day-to-day basis (although they will also see visiting teachers and other home-based ECE educators during group activities). In childcare centres, children are likely to interact with multiple teachers on any given day.
Let’s break that down a little more:
- Home-based ECE: The continuity and consistency that comes with a single educator can help build strong attachments. This familiarity helps some children to feel more relaxed.
- Childcare centres: Since children are taught by multiple teachers, they could benefit from a variety of teaching styles and perspectives.
The best option here comes down to your child’s needs and your family’s preferences. Some families value a closer one-on-one bond, while others appreciate a team of educators.
6. Cost comparison
The cost of home-based care vs daycare in NZ varies by region, hours and provider. While it’s difficult to provide exact figures, it’s worth knowing that subsidies may be available for both education routes.
Here’s more pricing information:
- Home-based ECE: Each ECE educator sets their own hourly rate or fees. As a rough guide, Edubase educators generally charge upwards of $6 per hour, per child. This varies greatly by region, qualification, programme, philosophy and market.
- Childcare centres: In a similar way to home-based ECE, the costs of childcare centres in NZ vary. Typical costs before subsidies range from $250 to $600 or more per week. Fee rates for under-two-year-olds tend to be higher, as the required ratio of children-to-educators is lower.
The 20-hour ECE scheme for 3+ year olds is available to all, providing financial support to every whanau. Other childcare subsidies may be available to you; check your eligibility here.
7. Child profiles best suited to each setting
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of home-based vs childcare centres. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual child and their family.
Here, we break down which types of children are generally best suited to each setting.
Home-based childcare may suit:
- Babies and toddlers
- Children who prefer quieter environments
- Children who enjoy a mix of small and larger group settings (through playgroups and outings)
- Children who need more tailored care
- Families wanting flexibility
- Siblings (mixed-age care is often available)
- Children who prefer a small, family-style environment
- Children who would value seeing the same teacher each day
- Children seeking individualised pathways to school and school readiness
Centres may suit:
- Highly social children
- Children who enjoy large group activities
- Families wanting fixed routines
- Children preparing for school environments
- Children who would benefit from socialising with same-age peers
- Families looking for more structured education
