Every parent wants the best possible care and education for their children, but there’s an alternative to centre-based childcare that you might not have considered: home-based childcare.
An option that centres on home comforts, more individual attention, and flexibility, it’s easy to see why home-based ECE in New Zealand is a perfect fit for so many families. Read on to find out what home-based childcare is and decide if it’s right for you.
What is home-based childcare?
Home-based childcare, or home-based ECE, involves educators looking after children in a private home environment.
This approach prioritises smaller group sizes compared to centre-based childcare, with flexibility to fit around family life.
Educators must meet licensing requirements as set out by the Ministry of Education and follow the NZ early learning curriculum, Te Whāriki. They’re supported by a provider organisation, like Edubase, which matches families with well-suited home-based educators (sometimes called carers) in their area.
Is home-based childcare right for your family?
Home-based childcare is particularly suited to certain types of families and children.
If any of the following rings true, it may be worth considering the home-based ECE model:
- You’re seeking more one-on-one attention for your child
- Your child feels overwhelmed in busy environments
- You’d benefit from flexible hours or routines
- You value close relationships with one main caregiver
- You value mixed-age learning
- Your child would benefit from extra support and teaching based on their learning style and developmental level
- You work long or irregular hours and would like childcare support that goes beyond regular daycare schedules
- Your child has unique care needs
Every child is different, and the aim is to find the environment where they’ll feel most comfortable and confident so they can thrive. You’re free to browse educators offering home-based childcare in NZ to find someone who fits your family’s needs and aspirations.
The benefits of home-based ECE in New Zealand
Because there’s never just one way to learn, home-based ECE offers an alternative to families.
Here are just some of the good things you can expect:
- Outdoor excursions: Learning takes place beyond four walls. Educators often arrange outings with each other to immerse children in cultural and social activities, helping to build connections with their local community and environment.
- Smaller group sizes: Each educator cares for up to 4 children (which may include their own), often of different ages. This allows for more personalised care that caters to individual needs.
- Home comforts: A home-away-from-home environment helps children to relax and learn from somewhere that feels warm and familiar.
- Flexible routines: Care that fits around your family’s needs, with schedules and learning styles adapted to you and your child.
- Quality learning: Education is guided by New Zealand’s early learning curriculum and incorporates play-based and child-led learning.
While our educators teach with their own style and philosophy, Edubase provides the support they need to achieve the best outcomes for children and their families. Through access to professional learning and development, as well as check-ins, you can count on quality and consistency in an environment that feels like home.
What else do you need to know?
Your child’s comfort, safety, and quality of education are always priorities.
All NZ home-based childcare providers have processes in place to uphold those standards.
Regulatory frameworks
Home-based ECE is licensed by the Ministry of Education and follows Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early learning curriculum.
Visiting Teachers
A fully qualified and registered Teacher regularly visits home-based educators to support with learning programmes and child development, providing resources and guidance to support high-quality learning and care.
Qualification requirements
The Ministry of Education says that all educators must have a relevant home-based service qualification or be working towards the qualification. Additionally, Edubase provides a range of professional development resources to foster growth and benefit tamariki.
Safety assurances
All educators must hold clear Police and Children’s Worker Safety checks, and be First Aid-certified. These checks take place at the beginning of their educator journey and periodically thereafter.
