Do Christchurch businesses cover Rolleston, Rangiora and Timaru?
The satellite towns yes, routinely — they are twenty to thirty minutes out. Timaru and Ashburton are their own markets with their own trades, and NovaPay asks there first when the job is there.
What funding is available?
Twenty Hours ECE covers a set number of hours a week for eligible three to five year olds at participating services, and Work and Income childcare subsidies may apply depending on income and hours. Ask each provider what you would actually pay after both.
How do I check a provider is licensed?
Licensed early childhood services are listed publicly and have Education Review Office reports you can read. For a nanny or in-home carer, ask about police vetting, first aid and references, and follow the references up.
How long are the waitlists?
In parts of Auckland and Wellington, months, particularly for under-twos. Ask several at once and ask where you would sit on the list rather than whether there is one.
Centre or home-based?
Centres offer structure and more children; home-based means smaller groups and one educator. Neither is better in general, and most people decide on their own child rather than on the model.