Pre-School Child Care and Education
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, especially when you need preschool childcare. New Zealand provides more than 5,000 childcare options, each with its own regulations, costs, and enrolment processes. In this guide, we will explore the availability of childcare in New Zealand, the regulations governing it, typical costs, and how to enrol your children.
Availability and Range of Child Care Education
New Zealand offers a variety of early childhood education (ECE) and care services for children under the age of five. These Education and Care Services provide either full-day or part-day care for children. They include:
- Daycare Centers: Offer care for children from infancy to preschool, typically from early morning to late afternoon.
- Preschools and Kindergartens: These facilities provide educational programs for children aged 2 to 5, focusing on early childhood education.
- Home-based Services: Care is provided in a home setting by a registered educator. These services are suitable for parents who prefer a more personalised and flexible approach to childcare. They can be less structured compared to center-based care.
- Playcentres: Parent-led early childhood education services where parents and caregivers are actively involved in the daily running of the centre. They offer a community-based approach, focusing on play and learning.
- Kōhanga Reo: Māori language immersion early childhood education centres. These are parent-led and focus on teaching children in a Māori cultural context, promoting language, traditions, and values.
- Playgroups: Informal groups where parents and caregivers meet regularly to provide play opportunities for their children. These groups are often community-based and offer a chance for social interaction and support among parents.
- Nannies and Au Pairs: In-home caregivers who provide personalised care for children within the family's home. Nannies are typically employed on a full-time or part-time basis, while au pairs are often young people from overseas who live with the family and provide care in exchange for accommodation and a stipend.
- Before- and After-School Care Programs are designed to care for school-aged children outside of regular school hours. These programs provide children with a safe and supervised environment while their parents work.
- Holiday Programs: Organised activities and care provided during school holidays to keep children engaged and entertained. These programs can include sports, arts and crafts, and excursions.
Regulation of Child Care
The New Zealand Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office (ERO) oversee child care regulation in New Zealand. All ECE services must comply with the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. These regulations ensure that services meet minimum standards of education and care. The ECE curriculum, Te Whāriki, provides a framework for teaching and learning in early childhood settings.
Typical Costs
As of 2025 the cost of child care in New Zealand can vary depending on the type of service and location. On average, private day-care centres charge between NZD$7 and NZD $12 per hour, with full-time fees ranging from NZD$800 to NZD$2,000 per month. Government-subsidised facilities offer 20 hours of free daycare per week for children aged 3 to 5, significantly reducing families' costs. Some community-based services may charge as little as NZD 3 per hour for additional hours.
How to Enrol Your Children
Enrolling your child in an ECE service in New Zealand is relatively straightforward. Start by researching the available options in your area and checking their availability. Visit the ECE centres, meet the staff, and ask questions about their programs and policies. Once you've chosen a centre, you must complete an enrolment form and provide necessary documentation, such as your child's birth certificate and proof of visas.
