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Childcare Information
What is Northland Homebased Childcare
Services?
Homebased Childcare Services N.Z. Ltd
is an independent Early Childhood
Homebased Childcare and Education Service in Whangarei, Mid North, Far North, Kaipara, Whangaparaoa, North Harbour, Orewa, Rodney and Hamilton, Chartered
to the Ministry of Education. It was first developed it in 1993.
It enables preschoolers to be cared for in the homes of carefully
selected Caregivers who educate and care for the children. It is
aimed at babies, toddlers and preschool children who need childcare
and whose parents want an alternative to larger childcare centres.
Care can sometimes also be arranged in a Child’s own home (at a
higher cost).
Who are the Caregivers?
Our Caregivers range from trained Early Childhood Teachers to people
willing to have on the job training while working toward their NZ
Certificate in Family Day Care. This training is by correspondence
courses through The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand plus they all
have a current First Aid Certificate. Training is paid for by Northland
Homebased Childcare Services according to each Caregivers Contract.
All Caregivers have warm caring personalities, experience with children
and an awareness of their needs. All homes must be fenced and comply
with the Ministry of Education Homebased Care Codes of Practice,
which means that their home must also be smoke free, safe, secure
and provide a stimulating environment. All potential Caregivers
undergo a Police Check to ensure they are suitable to be Caregivers.
All adults living in the home who are aged 17 and over also have
Police Checks.
Can I get Subsidised Childcare?
Childcare arranged through Homebased Childcare Services N.Z. Ltd
is eligible for Work and Income (WINZ) childcare subsidies for up
to 50 hours per week, and an additional subsidy may be available
through the Service for beneficiaries and low-income families. This
is because the Service is subsidised by the Ministry of Education
and it is a win-win situation for parents and Caregivers. This enables
beneficiaries and low-income families to receive up to nine hours
free childcare per week if working, on a course or needing time
out. This is given after notification has been received by WINZ
that a subsidy has been granted and providing all fees are paid
up to date each week.
What are the fees?
Parents who are not eligible for WINZ Childcare Subsidies will be
charged fees of $4.50 per hour for enrolled children for care in
a Caregivers home, care in the child’s own home will be negotiated
before the start of care. Full fees are charged for cancellation
of care, including sickness unless there has been 24 hours notice
given to the Caregiver that care was not required. Then a 50% retainer
fee will be charged. If a Caregiver is not available for any reason
alternative care may be available, if suitable care cannot be arranged
the service will not charge for care for that day. We prefer payment
to be made by way of Automatic Payment each week to ensure that
Caregivers fees are paid. Telephone or Internet banking is also
acceptable but we do prefer weekly payments please.
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What about Socialisation of my child?
As some parents worry that their child will not get enough socialisation
while their child is receiving care and education through Homebased
Childcare we offer regular Playgroup to all children on a regular
basis, these sessions are run by a fully qualified Early Childhood
Teacher and are attended by Caregivers and children together. If
your child is not in actual care on either of those days, you are
still welcome to attend playgroup with your child. Playgroup has
available all the equipment and experiences you would expect to
find in any Early Childhood Setting. Your child gets to interact
not only with other children but also other Caregivers, which works
well if for some reason they need to spend a day with an alternative
Caregiver. We also have equipment available for Caregivers to use
in their homes with the children to further enhance your child’s
experiences.
When is Care Available?
Homebased Childcare Services N.Z. Ltd
offers flexible hours and
it is possible to arrange care to suit parents who need hours outside
usual childcare centre hours. Care can be arranged seven days a
week if necessary.
What if my Child is sick?
Sorry, if your child is sick, they are not able to be in care. Any
child who has a tummy bug must have 24 hours clear of any vomiting
or diarrhoea before going back into care. Parents will be contacted
to collect any child that becomes unwell while in care.
Are the homes checked regularly?
Yes, our trained Co-ordinators check the houses regularly, no appointments
are made to ensure that all Caregivers meet safety standards at
all times.
How do I enrol?
Parents who need childcare are introduced to a selection of suitable
Caregivers by one of our Co-ordinator’s. After placement, the Caregiver
is supported by our Staff, who visit regularly and monitor each
child’s progress. To enrol online click
here.
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