Childcare

Common questions regarding childcare include:

• What is the staff to child ratio in the centre (how many children does one staff member care for)?
• Will my child be happy and well cared for?
• What sort of interactions will my child have with the carer?
• Will my child resent me not being there for them 24/7?
• Can I call in any time unannounced and will I be made to feel welcome?
• What childcare qualifications/skills does the carer possess?
• What are the health policies for this childcare centre and are they adhered to?
• What facilities and resources are available to help my child develop socially, creatively and developmentally?
• If something goes wrong while they are in care will I be contacted immediately?
• Will they feed expressed breastmilk?

What about the cost of childcare? 

Childcare can be very expensive. Make sure you know what entitlements you may claim.

New Zealand Family Assistance

The Inland Revenue Department website for Family Assistance provides detailed information about the payments available to you and your family:  

You can contact Family Assistance by the freecall number 0800 227 773 (remember to have your IRD number handy). Family Assistance is available as:

• FamilyBoost
• Family Support
• In work payment
• Family Tax Credit
• Parental Tax Credit

Paid parental leave may also be an option for some families. 0800 377 777   www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays

The amount you receive will depend on your total family income, and its source, and how many dependent children under 18 years of age are living with you. Each family situation is different and you should seek advice from IRD about your particular circumstances.  Childcare and OSCAR (Out of School Care and Recreation) subsidies are available, depending on your income. For information on childcare assistance, phone 0800 774 004, or apply online: https://www.ird.govt.nz/working-for-families 

If you are applying for Family Assistance for the first time you will need to provide the following information:

• details about the principal childcarer
• your bank account details for payment
• details of children (names, DOB, IRD numbers)

So how do you make the decision?

• Referrals - whatever childcare you are considering, referrals from friends and co-workers are the first and most reliable method
• Visits - take your child with you to visit childcare providers in your area
• Spend time watching how the staff interact with the children
• Enquire about the routines and educational programme they have in place

The childcare decision is never an easy one. Whoever you choose to care for your child, you must feel totally comfortable with your decision. This website may be useful to you as you go through the process of choosing which type of care would be best suited to your needs www.careforkids.co.nz