Starting a home-based childcare business in New Zealand offers a rewarding opportunity to provide nurturing care and early education to young children within a familiar home environment. This model is popular with parents seeking a more personalized setting for their children. However, establishing such a business requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations set by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and other government bodies. This guide outlines the key steps and requirements to help you navigate the process.
1. Understand the Home-Based Childcare Model in NZ
In New Zealand, home based childcare services are typically provided for children under five years old (or five years old but not yet enrolled in school) in the caregiver’s own home, the child’s home, or another nominated home. These services are licensed and overseen by a “service provider” (often an agency or organization) that employs or contracts “educators” (the caregivers).
Key Regulations:
- Child-to-Adult Ratios: A licensed home-based service can care for a maximum of four children at any one time, including your own children under six years old who are not yet enrolled in school. For children under two years old, the ratio is typically one adult to two children.
- Total Children in Home: The total number of children present in the home (including those receiving the service and the educator’s own children) must not exceed six at any time while the service is operating.
- Police Vetting: All adults living in the home where childcare is provided must undergo satisfactory police vetting.
- Monthly Observations: A qualified early childhood teacher (the “coordinator” or “visiting teacher” from the service provider) must visit the home monthly to observe the children and provide professional support to the educator.
2. Meet Qualification and Safety Requirements
Before you can operate, you need to ensure you meet the necessary personal and environmental standards.
- “Fit and Proper Person” Status: The Ministry of Education will assess whether you are a “fit and proper person” to provide childcare. This involves looking at your character, any past convictions (especially those involving harm to children, violence, or fraud), and your history with other early childhood services.
- Safety Checks: You will need to complete a Children’s Worker Safety Check as required under the Children’s Act 2014, which includes police vetting.
- First Aid Certification: It is mandatory to hold a current pediatric first aid certificate.
- Qualifications: While not always a strict initial requirement to start as an educator with a service provider, many service providers prefer or require educators to hold, or be working towards, a Level 3 or 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. The Ministry of Education requires 100% of educators to either hold a home-based service qualification or be working towards one within six months of starting.
3. Partner with a Licensed Home-Based Service Provider
Unlike center-based childcare, individual home-based educators typically operate under the umbrella of a larger, licensed home-based service provider. You will generally not apply for a licence directly yourself as an individual.
- Role of the Service Provider: The service provider holds the licence from the Ministry of Education and is responsible for overall compliance, curriculum support, professional development for educators, and administrative tasks like managing subsidies.
- Finding a Provider: Research and contact established home-based service providers in your area (e.g., Barnardos Early Learning, Home Grown Kids, Kia Ora Kids, Inspired Kindergartens). They will guide you through their specific application process, which usually involves interviews, home safety checks, and background checks.
- Contracting as an Educator: Once approved, you will typically enter into a contract with the service provider as a self-employed home-based educator.
4. Prepare Your Home Environment
Your home must meet specific health and safety standards set by the Ministry of Education. The service provider will conduct a thorough home safety check.
- Childproofing: Ensure all hazards are removed or secured (e.g., chemicals locked away, sharp objects out of reach, safety gates installed).
- Space Requirements: Your home must provide adequate indoor and outdoor space for children to play, learn, eat, and sleep safely.
- Sanitary Facilities: Proper sanitary facilities for children and adults are required.
- Food Preparation: Kitchen areas must be safe and hygienic for food preparation.
- Emergency Preparedness: You must have clear emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and a well-stocked first aid kit.
5. Business and Financial Considerations
As a self-employed educator, you’ll need to manage the business aspects.
- Business Structure: You’ll likely operate as a sole trader.
- Tax Obligations: Understand your tax obligations with Inland Revenue (IRD). You may be able to use standard costs or actual costs to work out your expenses. If you are GST-registered, you must use the actual costs method.
- Fees and Subsidies: The service provider will manage the 20 Hours ECE subsidy for eligible children (3-5 year olds), meaning you cannot charge parents for those hours. You can charge for additional hours or services beyond the subsidy.
- Insurance: Consider public liability insurance to protect yourself and your business.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, illnesses, accidents, food provided, and any other relevant information as required by your service provider and the MoE.
6. Ongoing Professional Development and Compliance
Maintaining your status as a home-based educator involves continuous learning and adherence to regulations.
- Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities provided by your service provider or external organizations to enhance your skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
- Curriculum Implementation: Implement Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, in your daily practice, supported by your visiting teacher.
- Regular Reviews: Be prepared for regular visits and reviews from your service provider’s coordinator and potentially from the Education Review Office (ERO) to ensure ongoing compliance with licensing criteria.
Starting a home-based childcare business in New Zealand is a journey that combines a passion for children with a commitment to professional standards. By understanding and diligently following these steps, you can create a successful and enriching environment for the tamariki (children) in your care.
