Is home-based ECE cheaper than centre-based?

Slightly. National median for under-2s: home-based ~$320/week vs education & care centres ~$360/week. The bigger driver of cost difference is your specific operator and any 20 Hours ECE participation — both models qualify for the same government subsidies.

Are home-based educators qualified?

Yes — every licensed home-based educator is screened, qualified (or working toward qualification under supervision), and supervised by a registered teacher. The visiting teacher comes regularly (typically weekly or fortnightly) to support learning, planning, and assessment.

How many children does a home-based educator take?

NZ regulations cap home-based at 4 children at any time (including the educator's own children if under 5). This is much smaller than education & care centres which can have 50-100+ children.

Which is better for under-2s?

Either works. Home-based suits parents who want one-on-one care, a calmer environment, and mixed-age siblings together. Centre-based suits parents who want more peer interaction, a structured curriculum, and predictable opening hours. Both models follow Te Whāriki.

Home-based vs centre-based ECE — which suits your family?

New Zealand licensed ECE comes in two structural models — your child cared for in someone's home (with a small mixed-age group) or in a purpose-built centre (with a larger peer group). Both are MoE-licensed, follow Te Whāriki, and qualify for the same government subsidies. Pick based on what fits your family — not on a quality difference, because both can be excellent.

Side-by-side

Attribute	Home-based ECE	Centre-based ECE
Group size	Up to 4 children (mixed ages)	20-100+ children grouped by age
Setting	Educator's own home	Purpose-built centre
Adult-to-child ratio	1:4 maximum	1:5 under-2s, 1:10 over-2s
Visiting teacher	Yes (typically weekly)	N/A — teachers on-site
Typical hours	Flexible (negotiated with educator)	7am-6pm with set drop-off/pickup
Median weekly cost (under-2)	~$320	~$360
Median weekly cost (3-5, with 20 Hrs)	~$80	~$65
20 Hours ECE eligible	Yes (most participate)	Yes (most participate)
Childcare Subsidy + FamilyBoost	Yes	Yes
Curriculum	Te Whāriki, planned by visiting teacher	Te Whāriki, planned by on-site team
Best for	Under-2s · multi-child families · families wanting one-on-one care · flexible work hours	3-5 year olds wanting peer interaction · structured day · transition prep for school

Home-based — what it actually looks like

Your child spends the day in a licensed educator's home (or sometimes yours, in some networks). Up to 4 children of mixed ages share the educator's attention. The home environment, kai is prepared in the kitchen, naps in a bedroom. A visiting teacher comes weekly or fortnightly to support the educator with planning, assessment, and professional development.

NZ home-based networks include:

PORSE In-Home Childcare — largest network nationally
Nurtured at Home — second-largest, NZ-wide
Tiny Nation — Hawke's Bay / Manawatū / Otago focus
Barnardos — charity-run, mixed home + centre
Kia Ora Kids — Auckland focus
Kuddles in Home — Auckland
No.1 Home Based Childcare — Auckland

Centre-based — what it actually looks like

Your child attends a purpose-built centre with their peers. Centres are usually divided by age — separate under-2 spaces, 2-3 rooms, and 3-5 rooms. Multiple kaiako (teachers) on the floor at once. Routine is structured: mat time, free play, kai, sleep, outside play, pickup.

NZ centre-based options:

Kindergartens (~600 nationally) — session-based, 3-5 year olds, often free with 20 Hours
Education & care centres (~2,000) — full-day, mixed ages
BestStart Educare — 261 centres nationally
Kindercare — 50 centres
Busy Bees — 79 centres

Quick decision framework

Multiple kids under 5? Home-based — they stay together, single educator relationship.
Want predictable hours + structured day? Centre-based.
Working full-time, long hours? Centre-based (typically 7am-6pm vs home-based 8am-5pm).
Under-2 with strong need for one-on-one? Home-based.
3-5 year old prepping for school? Centre-based — peer transition.
Bilingual / cultural priority? Look at kōhanga reo, puna reo, or specific cultural centres rather than the format question.

Frequently asked

Is home-based ECE cheaper than centre-based?: Slightly. National median for under-2s: home-based ~$320/week vs education & care centres ~$360/week. The bigger driver of cost difference is your specific operator and any 20 Hours ECE participation — both models qualify for the same government subsidies.
Are home-based educators qualified?: Yes — every licensed home-based educator is screened, qualified (or working toward qualification under supervision), and supervised by a registered teacher. The visiting teacher comes regularly (typically weekly or fortnightly) to support learning, planning, and assessment.
How many children does a home-based educator take?: NZ regulations cap home-based at 4 children at any time (including the educator's own children if under 5). This is much smaller than education & care centres which can have 50-100+ children.
Which is better for under-2s?: Either works. Home-based suits parents who want one-on-one care, a calmer environment, and mixed-age siblings together. Centre-based suits parents who want more peer interaction, a structured curriculum, and predictable opening hours. Both models follow Te Whāriki.

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