Question about Childcare
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21643
Printed Date: 22 October 2025 at 8:56pm
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Topic: Question about Childcare
Posted By: KiwiL
Subject: Question about Childcare
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 12:09pm
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Hi all!
Firstly - has anyone got any recommendations for daycare in Johnsonville/Newlands area of Wellington? I am forward thinking for when I go back to work next year. Secondly - I am confused about how it works. Everywhere I call says I just have to go on their waitlist, but they don't even want to know when I want Jackson to start. Surely that would be a consideration? I am going back to work in September 2009 - what if a place comes up in May, for example? How does the waitlisting work? Does anyone know? Also, has anyone had any experience on waitlists in Wellington, and how long it takes to get a place? Thanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: MissCandice
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 12:22pm
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They have waiting lists because daycares are so full up. Down here in Christchurch i had put Kylahs name on 10 waiting lists that are 1-2 years long, like you wont get a space for over a year.
I just got her into one that is brand new and only opened today, thats the only reason they had space  ------------- ~ Mummy to a beautiful girl ~ |
Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 12:34pm
| It's the same in New Plymouth - the waiting lists are over a year long, and even then you still may not be able to get the hours you want/need. The only time you might get in shorter here in New Plymouth from what I have heard, is when you're not fussy about the hours and can just do various sessions (ie. mums who need a break, but aren't at work, so any sessions are good!). |
Posted By: Leish
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 1:43pm
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We were on a waitlist for Noah before he was born and he was supposed to start in May and then they put it back to September. DH ended up going to a place in Tawa and begging them to take him and they moved things around so they could fit him in. The places are so full that they have to waitlist people. And then when a place becomes available they give it to the next person on the list if it suits their needs. Thats just a guess - I have no idea how it actually works.
Don't know of any places in J'ville or Newlands. I'm sure there would be some though. You could try Porse or Barnardoes for one of their carers if that would suit. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Danaj
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 2:05pm
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I booked into Puddle ducks when I was 8 weeks preggers. She's not going in until July next year but it was the only way to get the hours that we will need (full time). Their list is 12 months long even for part time hours. Scary. ------------- http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wyI1oWn/"> 
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 3:44pm
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I was lucky with Andrew when I booked him into a daycare in Palmy they had the hours we needed. But most do have a waiting list. You would be best to go into some and get a feel for the place first and then put him down on the waiting list. Most places will tell you if the time you want will be ok, and what that usually means is that when you want him to start he can start. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: Febgirl
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 8:31pm
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If you're on a waiting list you need to call them every month or so to check how things are going. If you wait for them to call you then I'd say you go down the priority list. We put DD down at 3 places in central Auckland when I was 8 weeks pregnant and had offers at all three 12 months later when I went back to work because we starting calling every few months until she was born, then more regularly . They make notes when you call on your file!
So ring, ring, ring every month if you want any chance of getting a place!
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 13 October 2008 at 9:49pm
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That's a good tip Febgirl! I will definately keep calling!
It's so sad that it is this hard. I don't know what we'll do if we don't get child care before I have to go back to work.... I never realised just how dire the situation was! |
Posted By: gemsmum
Date Posted: 14 October 2008 at 9:25am
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Thanks for reminding me Laurie, need to go put Zach's name down at Kindercare. My other two went there and they were fab so I think I'll just continue with what I know.
Look up daycares in the yellow pages, then go and have a look, get a feel for them. Also, if you know any Mums with older kids in daycare, ask what they think of the local daycares.....you'll soon find out if any are esp good or esp dire!! Word soon gets around the parenting communities!! Good luck Debs ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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