How to choose an early childhood centre in New Zealand

New Zealand has eight licensed early childhood education service types, each suited to different family circumstances. This guide explains the differences in plain language and lists the questions worth asking before you enrol.

The eight licensed service types

1. Kindergartens (~600 nationally)

Historically session-based for 3-5 year olds (e.g. 8.45-2.45). Most participate in 20 Hours ECE so are often free with optional charges. Run by regional kindergarten associations (Auckland Kindergarten Association, Whānau Manaaki, Central Kids, etc.) — all registered NZ charities with audited annual financials. Qualified, registered teachers. Good fit if you want play-based learning for a 3-5 year old and have flexible work hours.

2. Education & care centres (~2,000 nationally)

Often called "daycares". Longer hours (7am-6pm typical), mixed-age groupings, suit working families needing all-day care. Includes large chains (BestStart, Kindercare, Busy Bees) and many independent centres. Fees range $280-$360/week under-2s, $0-$280/week 3-5s depending on 20 Hours participation.

3. Home-based ECE (~400+ educators)

Licensed educator cares for up to 4 children in their own home, supervised by a visiting teacher. Networks include Nurtured at Home, PORSE, Tiny Nation, Kia Ora Kids. Suits families wanting small mixed-age groups, more flexible hours, and a domestic environment.

4. Kōhanga reo (~413 nationally)

Te reo Māori immersion early childhood education. Run by whānau as part of Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust. Tikanga-led, whānau-involvement-heavy. Strong fit for families committed to te reo and te ao Māori.

5. Playcentres (~270 nationally)

Parent-led, co-operative model. Parents stay and learn alongside their child. Adult-to-child ratios very high. Typically ~$20/week. Suits families with at least one flexible parent who wants involvement + a community.

6. Casual education & care

Drop-in centres for occasional use. Niche.

7. Hospital-based

Inside hospital settings for in-care tamariki.

8. Correspondence (Te Kura)

For children unable to attend a physical centre.

The visit checklist

Once you've shortlisted 2-3 centres, visit each. Ask:

• Current ratios. NZ regs require 1:5 for under-2s and 1:10 for 2-5s in education & care centres. Ask what they're actually running today.
• Staff turnover in the last 12 months. High turnover (>30%) signals management issues.
• Are you currently fully staffed? Many centres rely on relievers; you want consistent kaiako.
• What's the food policy? Provided / bring-your-own / parents pack. Allergy management.
• Sleep arrangements. Separate sleep room? Cots vs mats? Who does the check-ins?
• Behaviour management approach. They should mention positive guidance, Te Whāriki principles, no time-outs / no shame.
• How do you handle transitions? Drop-off, sleep, pickup. Listen for empathy and routine.
• Do you participate in 20 Hours ECE? For 3-5 year olds. Yes = up to 20 hr/week funded; centre may still charge "optional charges".
• What are your optional charges? If they participate in 20 Hours, any compulsory fee on those hours is a breach. Optional charges (excursions, food) should be clearly disclosed.
• How do you communicate with parents? Daily? App? Photos? Some centres use Storypark / Educa for journals.

Red flags

• Vague answers on ratios or "we'd need to check".
• Long current waitlist but they're keen to enrol you immediately (means people are leaving fast).
• No mention of Te Whāriki when asked about curriculum.
• Recent ERO review with significant areas for improvement (check ero.govt.nz).
• Centre is operating under provisional licence.
• "Optional charges" that are effectively compulsory (e.g. "everyone pays the food levy").

What about cost?

Three government supports stack at every licensed centre:

• 20 Hours ECE — for 3-5 year olds at participating centres. Up to 20 hr/week funded directly to the centre.
• Childcare Subsidy — means-tested hourly subsidy from MSD (Work and Income). Eligibility depends on household income, hours of work/study, number of children.
• FamilyBoost — 25% IRD rebate on weekly fees, capped at $75/week per family. Phases out from household income $140k to $180k. Claim quarterly via myIR.

Estimate your net weekly cost with our calculator →

Where to find centres

• Enter your address to see the closest licensed centres in any radius.
• Browse by region for the full NZ map.
• Filter by service type, operator, 20 Hours, age range, or operator chain.

Frequently asked

What are the licensed types of early childhood education in NZ?

Eight: kindergartens, education & care centres, home-based ECE, kōhanga reo, playcentres, casual education & care, hospital-based (for tamariki in care), and correspondence (Te Kura). All are licensed by the Ministry of Education and follow Te Whāriki, the NZ early childhood curriculum.

What's the difference between a kindergarten and a daycare?

Kindergartens are typically session-based (3-5 year olds, part-day) and historically free with 20 Hours ECE. Education & care centres (often called daycares) offer longer hours, mixed-age groupings, and run more like a workplace. Both are MoE-licensed and follow Te Whāriki.

How do I know if a centre is licensed?

Every licensed NZ ECE service is listed in the Ministry of Education ECE Directory and on this site. If you can't find a centre in the directory, it isn't licensed.

What questions should I ask on a centre visit?

Ratios at different times of day, staff turnover in the last 12 months, whether they're currently fully staffed or relying on relievers, food policy, sleep arrangements, behaviour management, how they handle transitions (drop-off, nap, pickup), and whether they participate in 20 Hours ECE.

Sources: parents.education.govt.nz · ero.govt.nz · our methodology