Our base rate for home-based educators starts at $8 an hour. That is a starting rate rather than a fixed price. Each educator sets their own hourly fee according to their experience and qualifications, so what you pay depends on the educator your family is matched with and the hours you need. We confirm your educator's exact hourly fee with you before you enrol.
Because our educators care for a maximum of four children, you are paying for genuinely personal attention rather than a place in a large room. Many families also qualify for the government support set out below, which can reduce what you pay considerably.
There are three main forms of help with early childhood education costs in New Zealand. Families often qualify for more than one, and we are happy to walk you through what applies to you.
Government funding towards up to 20 hours a week of early childhood education for children aged 3, 4 and 5, at up to 6 hours a day. It is paid at a set funding rate, so where your educator's hourly fee is higher, you pay the difference as a top-up.
An income tested payment from Work and Income for children under 5, paid towards your childcare fees. Up to 9 hours a week, or up to 50 hours if you are working, studying or training. Freephone 0800 559 009.
An Inland Revenue payment that refunds up to 40% of your early childhood education fees, to a maximum of $1,560 a quarter, depending on your household income. You register and claim through myIR. Freephone 0800 227 773.
Tell us your situation and we will point you to the right support before you enrol.
Costs vary widely by the type of care, the hours you need and where you live. With Kuddles, home-based rates start at $8 an hour before any subsidies are applied, and your educator's own hourly fee may be higher depending on their experience and qualifications. Most families then bring that down through 20 Hours ECE, the WINZ childcare subsidy or FamilyBoost.
No. $8 an hour is where our rates start. Each educator sets their own hourly fee based on their experience and qualifications, so the rate for the educator nearest you may be higher. Tell us the area you are in and the hours you need, and we will give you the exact rate for the educators available to your family.
Yes. 20 Hours ECE applies to licensed early childhood education and Kuddles is a licensed service, so it is available for children aged 3, 4 and 5, for up to 20 hours a week and up to 6 hours a day.
One thing worth understanding is that 20 Hours ECE is funded at a set government rate. Where your educator's hourly fee is higher than that rate, you pay the difference as a top-up for those hours, so 20 Hours ECE does not always mean 20 completely free hours. Whether a top-up applies, and how much it is, depends on the educator your family is matched with. We work this out with you and tell you the exact figure before you enrol.
Many families do. The schemes work differently and eligibility depends on your circumstances. Work and Income handles the childcare subsidy on 0800 559 009, Inland Revenue handles FamilyBoost on 0800 227 773, or ask us and we will help you work it out.
20 Hours ECE starts at age 3, so for younger children your fees are based on your educator's hourly rate, with the WINZ childcare subsidy and FamilyBoost still available to eligible families.
Every family's situation is different. Tell us the hours you need and where you are, and we will explain exactly what your care would cost and what support you may be entitled to.