Do Wellington businesses come over the hill?
Some will for a big job and few will for a small one — the Remutaka road is the reason. NovaPay treats the Wairarapa as its own area rather than assuming a Wellington business covers it, so you are asking people who actually work 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.