There are a number of childcare and early education and options available if you have children five years or younger. You can enrol your child full-time or part-time in a childcare centre (créche), kindergarten or playcentre. These early education centres are regularly audited by the Education Review Office to ensure high standards are maintained.
Childcare Centres
There are childcare centres operating throughout Wellington. Centres are a mix of privately run and community or church-based operations. A list of childcare centres is available in the yellow pages telephone directory.
Kindergartens
Kindergartens provide early childhood education for children from three to five years. Many have waiting lists so it is advised that you put your child's name on the waiting list early. They do not formally charge fees but ask for a donation - usually about $1 to $2.50 per day. Help with fundraising is also expected.
Most kindergartens run from 8.45am to 11.45am and from 12.45pm to 3.30pm. Sessions are informal and focus on developing social skills and learning through play supervised by qualified and registered teachers.
Playcentres
Playcentres operate parent-run, learning and play sessions for children aged 0-6. A parent education service is provided free to all members. Session times and days vary according to demand. All playcentres belonging to the Wellington Playcentre Association are fully licensed by the Ministry of Education.
Other Options
Other care options include hiring a nanny through an agency, or arranging home-based care for your child at an approved caregiver's home. Parents can also access the network of playgroups - non-profit play sessions for under-5s that operate in the region. See the Council's Community Directory for a list of childcare facilities in Wellington.
Financial Support
The government offers up to 20 hours free early childhood education to all three and four-year-olds enrolled in an early childhood education service and some kohanga reo Māori language programmes. It is available for up to six hours a day. The service is free, but parents can be asked for donations. It is for all families and it is not based on how much parents earn.
Work and Income provides an early childhood education subsidy for eligible parents or caregivers of young children. You need to be a permanent New Zealand resident or citizen to be eligible for this support. The subsidy is based on the number and age of the children needing care, the parents' pre-tax earnings, and the children being enrolled in a licensed and chartered childcare centre.
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