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How Home-Based Childcare Works

Home-based childcare, sometimes called in-home daycare, means one qualified educator caring for a small group of up to four children in their own family home. Here is how it works, who looks after your child, and what a day with Kuddles looks like.

A child exploring colourful learning toys in a Kuddles home
Looking for in-home childcare?

What home-based childcare means

At Kuddles, we strive to provide nurturing home-based care that replicates the quality care you provide in your own home. Our ECE-qualified educators create an environment where each child is valued and their needs are recognised.

We help children grow up as competent, confident learners and communicators through a well-planned programme that supports the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of every child. Each of our home-based educators looks after a maximum of four children per day, aged 0 to 6 years.

This is childcare at home done properly: a qualified educator caring for a small group in a real family home, sometimes known as home daycare or in-home care.

From birth

Baby daycare and infant care (0 to 2)

We welcome babies and toddlers from birth. Our home-based daycare gives infants something a busy centre cannot: one familiar educator, a settled daily routine, and a calm space that feels like a second home. For many families this in-home baby daycare is the reassuring middle ground between daycare at home and a large centre. With no more than four children in the home, your infant gets the close, responsive attention little ones need to feel secure and thrive.

What we offer

Why families choose Kuddles childcare

Unique educational programme

From tracking learning milestones to play-based routines, we build an individualised educational programme for every child in our care.

Flexible hours

Life is busy, so let us work around your time. Our early childhood educators offer flexible hours to suit your family.

Multiple locations

We have educators right across Auckland. See the areas we cover and we will help you find your nearest Kuddles home.

Affordable childcare

Affordable rates with WINZ subsidy options and 20 hours of ECE for children aged 3 and up. See our fees below.

A child painting during a Kuddles learning activity
Individual learning plan

A programme built around your child

Our programme coordinators and visiting teachers develop an individual educational programme specifically for your child, based on their interests and learning and guided by Te Whariki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum.

Children do lots of exciting things with their educators. They dance, listen to music, sing, paint, bake and garden, building skills like balance, hand-eye coordination, colour and measuring through blocks, play dough, puzzles, books, sand and water play, and indoor and outdoor exploration.

Learning through play, every day

A day full of discovery

A child playing with wooden toys at Kuddles

Hands-on play

Blocks, play dough, puzzles and sensory experiences that build fine motor skills and problem solving.

A child enjoying a sensory slime activity

Creative discovery

Painting, baking, gardening and sensory play that spark curiosity and a love of learning.

A child drawing during a Kuddles activity

Recorded progress

Educators notice, recognise and respond to learning, recording each child's journey in their own portfolio.

Our fees & funding

Quality childcare, made affordable

We help families make the most of the funding and subsidies available for early childhood education.

In-home educators

Our base rate for home-based educators starts at $8 an hour. Rates may vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the educator and your requirements.

20 hours ECE

Up to 20 hours of free ECE childcare every week for children aged 3 to 6 years. Terms and conditions apply.

WINZ childcare support

WINZ childcare subsidy support is available for eligible families. For more information, visit the Work and Income website or freephone 0800 559 009.

FamilyBoost up to 25%

FamilyBoost is a childcare payment that helps eligible households with the cost of early childhood education. Freephone 0800 559 009 for details.

Find your nearest Kuddles educator

Millwater Silverdale Mount Roskill Avondale Papatoetoe Takanini Papakura Epsom

We have home-based educators with childcare spaces available right across Auckland. Get in touch and we will help you find the right educator close to home.