Childcare

It is important to be confident that your child is in professional and caring childcare when you need them to be. New Zealand has a variety of different styles of childcare and all are represented in the Eastern Bay of Plenty Region.

Kindergartens

Kindergartens are run by trained and registered early childhood teachers.  Learning is focused on developing social skills and learning through play.  Some offer either morning or afternoon sessions but others operate more like a school day. Children usually attend from age 3 to 5.

Pre-schools and care centres

Pre-schools and care centres are open for a full day (7.00 to 6.00). They can be either licensed for under-twos or over-twos or a mix of both. Some offer casual care, some run as morning or afternoon sessions and others operate on full day care.

Playcentres

Playcentres are run as parent cooperatives. Parents are responsible for both managing the centre and working with the children during session. Playcentre caters from birth to five year olds.

Homecare

Homecare provides supervised care to small groups of children usually in the carer’s home. Fees are usually paid on an hourly basis and timing can be flexible to fit in with a families needs.
Parents are most often encouraged to be involved so it also offers an excellent way of meeting other families.

Early childhood education providers usually charge on an hourly basis. Many will also offer the Free 20 hours Early Childhood education government approved subsidy.

There are a number of community and parent lead pre-school facilities such as playgroups and music classes. To find out more contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.