There are several childcare and early education options available for children aged 5 years or younger.
You can enrol your child full-time or part-time in a childcare centre (créche), kindergarten or playcentre. These early education centres are regularly checked by the Education Review Office to make sure high standards are maintained.
Childcare Centres
There are many childcare centres operating in Wellington. Centres can be privately run, or community or church-based operations. A list of childcare centres is available in the yellow pages telephone directory.
Kindergartens
Kindergartens provide early childhood education for children aged between 3 and 5 years. Many have a waiting list so you may want to contact the kindergarten and put your child's name on the waiting list as soon as possible. They do not charge fees but ask for a donation - usually about $1 to $2.50 per day. Help with fundraising activity is also expected.
Most kindergartens run from 8.45am to 11.45am and from 12.45pm to 3.30pm. Sessions are informal and focus on developing social skills and learning through play supervised by qualified and registered teachers.
Playcentres
Playcentres operate parent-run learning and play sessions for children aged 0 - 6 years. A parent education service is provided free to all members. Session times and days vary according to demand. All playcentres belonging to the Wellington Playcentre Association are fully licensed by the Ministry of Education.
Other Options
Other care options include hiring a nanny through an agency, or arranging home-based care for your child at an approved caregiver's home. Parents can also access the network of playgroups - non-profit play sessions for children under 5 years of age that operate in the region. See the Council's Community Directory for a list of childcare facilities in Wellington.
Childcare / Children - Community Directory
Financial Support
The government pays for up to 20 hours free early childhood education for all 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in an early childhood education service and some kohanga reo Māori language programmes. This is for up to six hours a day and parents can be asked for donations. It is for all families and is not based on how much parents earn.
Work and Income (a government agency) provides an early childhood education subsidy for eligible parents or caregivers of young children. You need to be a permanent New Zealand resident or citizen to be eligible for this support. The subsidy is based on the number and age of the children needing care, the parents' pre-tax earnings, and the children being enrolled in a licensed and chartered childcare centre.
Work and Income website
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