auckland childcare

Some centers can get very busy so it is worthwhile enrolling them early - so that if needed you can go on a waiting list.


Kindergarten is often in sessions - with older children going in the morning each day and younger children in the afternoons. Normally there is a ratio of 1 teacher to 15 children. Cost is very affordable, with a small donation payable each week (about $5?) You normally provide lunch.

Playgroup you head along to with your child/children and again is normally in sessions e.g 9:30am till 12:30pm. Parents are very involved here, helping to support and volunteer at sessions.

Daycare can provide sessional care, but often provides fulltime care. Each center is different, many are open Monday - Friday anywhere form 7am to 6pm. You can choose to have your child in fulltime (every day for any hours) or just some days (all hours) or some offer smaller days. This is the priciest option, each center is different. On average a child aged under 2 years of age will have a ratio of 1 teacher to 3 or 4 children, and children aged 2-5 years will have a ratio 1 teacher to 7-9 children.

Montessori/Rudolf Steiner/Reggio Emilia Centers are all taking on different philosophies, and the easiest would be to google each one.

Definately visit any you are interested in, you'll know which ones you are comfortable with, and want to be a part of.

Hope it helps!

Its better to choose child care center which is near by your place. As you are living in St Heliers area, there is one of the best kindergarten known as Bearpark, where you can send your baby. They take children from 3 months to 2 year. Child care St Heliers is very old and trustworthy center. They also provide pre schooling for children from 2 to 5 years. sometimes center may be busy so its good to enroll earlier. In Bearpark Pre School St Heliers , they can keep upto 40 children and encourage the kids to learn by playing.

If you are only wanting a few hours a week then a childcare centre isnt going to work for you - they generally have a minimum of 2 full days or similar. I think that you will find even with Porse that they have a minimum commitment. I have a wonderful friend that works part time in a child care centre (as a reliever) and does nannying / babysitting as well - I could ask her. The only problem is that she is over this way (central auckland) so am not sure if she would be keen to travel. I will check and let you know! (she is WONDERFUL)