Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes in a child’s early years. When the care happens in an educator’s own home, the choice feels even more personal, because you are trusting someone with your child inside a real family setting. This checklist walks through what to look for in a home-based childcare provider in Auckland, the questions worth asking before you enrol, and the standards a quality provider should meet.
What home-based childcare means in New Zealand
Home-based childcare is early childhood education delivered in a small home setting rather than a large centre. A qualified educator cares for a small group of children at a time, which keeps attention personal and routines calm. Quality providers are licensed by the Ministry of Education and follow Te Whariki, the national early childhood curriculum, so your child receives genuine early learning rather than simple minding. At Kia Ora Kids, every educator works within this framework and is supported by a qualified visiting teacher who checks in regularly.
1. Licensing, vetting and qualifications
Start with the non-negotiables. A reputable provider should be able to show you the following without hesitation.
- A current Ministry of Education licence to provide home-based care
- Educators who are police vetted and hold a current first aid certificate
- Educators who are qualified or actively training, overseen by a registered teacher
- Written health and safety procedures for the home where care takes place
If a provider cannot answer these clearly, treat it as a warning sign and keep looking.
2. Ratios and group size
Ask how many children each educator looks after at one time. In quality home-based care the ratio is one educator to four children, and that small group is the whole point. A child who is one of four is seen, heard and settled far faster than a child who is one of twenty. Smaller groups also mean fewer coughs and colds passing around, and a steadier daily rhythm for children who thrive on routine.
3. The learning environment
A good home setting is set up for play and discovery, not just supervision. Look for a space with age-appropriate toys and books, room to move, and safe access to the outdoors. Ask how the educator plans learning around each child’s interests, how often children go on local outings, and how everyday moments such as cooking, gardening and tidying up become learning. Play-based learning in a familiar home is one of the real strengths of this model.
4. Health, safety and food
Walk through the practical side of a typical day. A quality provider will have clear answers on safe sleep practices, how allergies and medication are handled, what meals and snacks look like, and the policy for when a child becomes unwell. Ask to see the home, check that hazards are managed sensibly, and notice whether the space feels warm and child-ready rather than tidied up for a viewing.
5. Flexibility and hours
Family life rarely fits a nine to five timetable. If you work shifts, study, or need only a few days a week, ask whether the provider can match an educator to the hours you actually need. Because home-based care pairs you with one educator rather than a centre’s fixed sessions, flexible and part-time arrangements are often easier to organise. For many Auckland parents this flexibility is the deciding factor.
6. Cost, fees and subsidies
Ask for a clear fee schedule, and ask which government support you can use to bring the cost down. Many Auckland families combine the universal 20 Hours ECE with the income-tested Childcare Subsidy from Work and Income. A good provider will help you understand what you qualify for and how the two fit together. We explain the detail in our guide to the Childcare Subsidy and how to apply.
7. Communication and settling in
Your relationship with the educator matters as much as the setting. Ask how you will hear about your child’s day, how settling-in visits work, and how concerns are raised and resolved. A provider who offers a relaxed visit before you commit, and who keeps you in the loop afterwards, is showing you how they will communicate for the long run.
Questions to ask before you enrol
- Are you licensed by the Ministry of Education for home-based care?
- What are the educator’s qualifications, and who supervises them?
- How many children will be in the group, and what ages?
- How do you plan learning around my child’s interests?
- How do you handle illness, allergies and safe sleep?
- Can you match an educator to my working hours?
- What are the fees, and which subsidies can I use?
- Can we arrange a visit so my child can meet the educator first?
How Kia Ora Kids measures up
Kia Ora Kids is a licensed home-based provider serving families across Auckland. Our educators care for small groups in their own homes, follow Te Whariki, and are backed by a qualified visiting teacher. We match families to an educator who suits their child and their hours, and we help with subsidy paperwork so the funding side feels manageable. You can meet our educators, read more about our home-based childcare, and book a visit when you are ready.
Ready to find the right fit for your child? Get in touch with Kia Ora Kids to arrange a no-pressure visit with an Auckland educator near you.
Frequently asked questions
Is home-based childcare licensed in New Zealand?
Yes. Quality home-based services are licensed by the Ministry of Education and must meet the same regulatory standards as centres, including curriculum, health and safety, and educator oversight.
How many children does one educator look after?
In home-based care the ratio is one educator to four children at a time, which keeps the group small and the attention personal.
Can I use the 20 Hours ECE and the Childcare Subsidy together?
You can use both, but not for the same hours. Many families apply the 20 Hours ECE first and use the Childcare Subsidy toward additional hours. Our subsidy guide explains how to combine them.
How do I choose between home-based care and a centre?
It comes down to what suits your child. Home-based care offers a small group, a home setting and flexible hours, while a centre offers a larger peer group and fixed sessions. Visiting both is the best way to decide.