One of the first practical questions parents ask about home-based daycare is simple: what hours can we actually get? The answer is usually more flexible than at a childcare centre, but it works differently, because your child is cared for by one educator in a home rather than by a roster of staff. This guide explains how days and hours are arranged, what to agree before you start, and how funding such as 20 Hours ECE fits around your booking.
How hours work in home-based daycare
One educator, one agreed pattern
In home-based care your child has one main educator, and the days and hours are agreed between your family and that educator. At Kia Ora Kids, you choose how many days and how many hours of care you need each week, and we match you with an educator whose availability fits. This means you are not fitting your week around fixed session blocks; you are agreeing a pattern that works for both households.
Why small groups make flexibility possible
A licensed home-based service can provide education and care for up to four children under the age of six in a home, as set out by the Ministry of Education. Because the group is small, an educator can often accommodate different start and finish times for each child in a way a large centre with fixed sessions cannot. The trade-off is that each educator only has a few places, so the earlier you talk to us, the more choice you have.
Part-time, full-time and mixed patterns
Part-time care
Part-time is common for families with one parent working reduced hours, or for younger children easing into care. Typical patterns are a few days a week, or shorter days that finish after lunch. Part-time is also a gentle way to start before increasing days later.
Full-time care
Full-time care suits families where both parents work full weeks. In a home setting, a full day still includes a predictable rhythm of play, meals, outdoor time and rest, just with a smaller group. If you want a feel for what that looks like hour by hour, see a day in home-based childcare.
Mixed and changing patterns
Many families mix it up: longer days early in the week, a short Friday, or a pattern that changes when a parent’s roster changes. Home-based daycare can usually adapt, provided you give your educator reasonable notice and the change still fits within the group limits. If your roster changes often, mention it when you first talk to us so we can look for an educator with room to adjust.
Drop-off and pick-up times
Agreeing start and finish times
Your start and finish times are part of the agreement with your educator. It helps to work out your real commute first, including traffic on the days you are running late, and build a little buffer into the agreed times. Our returning to work planning guide walks through mapping hours, commute and drop-off.
Choosing an educator close to home or work
Because care happens in an educator’s home, location matters more than it does with a centre. Some families choose an educator near home so siblings and grandparents can help with pick-ups; others prefer one near work. You can browse our Auckland educators to see who is nearby.
Sick days, holidays and time off
When your child is unwell
Small groups mean fewer children passing bugs around, which many parents find means less time off work. Even so, every child gets sick. Before you start, agree with your educator what happens when your child is unwell, including when a child should stay home and how fees work for days your child does not attend. Having this clear from day one avoids surprises later.
When your educator is unwell or on leave
This is the question parents most often forget to ask. Because home-based care relies on one educator, ask in advance what happens if your educator is sick or takes a holiday, and what alternative care options are available, so you have a plan before you need one.
Public holidays and the summer break
Agree up front whether your educator works public holidays and when they plan to take time off over the Christmas and summer break, so you can plan your own leave around it.
How funding fits around your hours
20 Hours ECE
If your child is three, four or five, they are eligible for 20 Hours ECE funding, which covers up to 20 hours of early childhood education a week and up to six hours a day. Home-based care can qualify, as long as the educator is part of a licensed home-based early learning service. When you enrol, you say which of your booked hours will be covered, so the pattern you choose affects how much of your week the funding applies to. In home-based care, educators may also ask for a top-up payment within limits set by the Ministry, so ask us how this would apply to your booking. You can check the details on the Ministry of Education’s 20 Hours ECE page.
Childcare Subsidy and other support
Families may also qualify for the Childcare Subsidy through Work and Income, or for FamilyBoost through Inland Revenue. Eligibility, the hours covered and the rates change with government policy, so we do not quote figures here. Our childcare subsidy guide explains each scheme and links to the current official rates. You can also check directly with Work and Income.
What sets your weekly cost
Your weekly cost depends on the number of hours you book, your educator’s rate, and which funding you are eligible for. Ask for the full picture before you commit, including how transition days before your official start date work. You can read more about affordable home-based childcare in Auckland.
Questions to ask before you agree your hours
- Which days and hours are you available, and can you take my child for the pattern I need?
- What notice do you need if our hours change?
- How do fees work for days my child is sick or we are on holiday?
- What happens if you are unwell or on leave?
- Do you work public holidays, and when do you take your summer break?
- How do 20 Hours ECE and any subsidy apply to the hours I am booking?
For the wider checks on licensing, safety, ratios and environment, see what to look for in a home-based childcare provider.
Finding home-based daycare hours that suit your family
Kia Ora Kids has educators across Auckland, from the Hibiscus Coast and North Shore to West, Central and South Auckland. Tell us the days and hours you need and where you live or work, and we will look for an educator who fits. Learn more about home-based daycare with Kia Ora Kids, or send us an enquiry to start the conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book home-based daycare for just a few hours a day?
Often, yes. Days and hours are agreed with your educator, so shorter days are possible where they fit the educator’s availability and group limits.
Is home-based daycare available full-time?
Yes. Many families use home-based care for full working weeks. Talk to us about the days and hours you need.
Can my hours change after I start?
Patterns can usually be adjusted with notice, as long as the change still works for your educator and the group.
Does 20 Hours ECE apply to home-based daycare?
Yes, for children aged three to five, as long as the educator is part of a licensed home-based early learning service. Kia Ora Kids offers 20 Hours ECE for eligible children aged three and over; current eligibility rules are on the Ministry of Education website.