Early learning that feels just like home.
Flexibility, the comforts of home, and nurturing relationships – that’s what Home Based Early Learning is all about.
Home Based Early Learning means your child is cared for in a small, home-like environment by a dedicated, trained Educator. Unlike a traditional centre, your child will be part of a small group of up to four children (no more than two under 2), giving them personalised attention and a strong sense of security.
Your child will thrive as secure attachments grow between them, their Educator, and the other children in their group. They’ll have space to explore, learn, and play in a calm, comfortable home environment, both indoors and outdoors, while experiencing everyday childhood moments in your local community.
Home Based Early Learning complements our centre based approach, providing a flexible, personalised option for families while still following Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Education curriculum, and supported by regular visits from a qualified Visiting Teacher.
About our Home Based Educators
We know that the people caring for your child are just as important as the environment they learn in. Our Home Based Educators are nurturing, inspiring, and experienced individuals who are passionate about making a positive difference in your child’s early learning journey.
Before becoming a Home Based Educator, each candidate completes an intensive orientation program to ensure they have the right early learning experience and understand the expectations of their role. The Ministry of Education requires all Home Based Educators to have, or be studying towards, a minimum NZAQ Level 4 qualification.
Our Educators have a few things in common:
Experienced – Many are parents themselves, have a background in teaching, or are deeply committed to supporting their local community. For them, this is more than a job – it’s a career. Your child benefits from their dedication, focus, and energy every day.
Educated and supported – All Home Based Educators enrol in the Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Practice. They participate in in-house learning modules, ongoing professional development, and are supported by regular visits from a qualified, registered Visiting Teacher to ensure high-quality learning and care.
Reliable and trustworthy – Your child’s safety and wellbeing is always the highest priority. You can have confidence knowing they are in capable, caring hands.
At Barnardos Early Learning, attracting and retaining high-quality Educators is central to our kaupapa. With their guidance and support, your child can explore, learn, and thrive in a nurturing, home based environment.
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Choosing quality Educators
Barnardos Home Based Educators are carefully vetted through a comprehensive selection criteria, interview and reference checking processes and include an in-depth, induction program. Learn more.
Educator requirements
All Home Based Educators are required to:
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Hold a clear Police and Children’s Worker Safety check. All household members aged 17 and over also require a clear Police check.
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Maintain a current First Aid certificate, renewed every two years.
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Welcome regular visits from a Barnardos Visiting Teacher, including at least one scheduled and unscheduled visit per month.
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Have their home thoroughly checked during Visiting Teacher visits to ensure it is safe and suitable for children.
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Attend all initial induction and training sessions, as well as ongoing compulsory professional development. This ensures they meet the requirements to maintain their Barnardos Home Based Educator Practice Certificate and comply with Ministry of Education licensing criteria.
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Follow all Barnardos Early Learning policies, procedures, and guidelines. Copies of individual policies are available from your Educator or by contacting us.
Get to know your local Home Based educators.
Why choose home based early learning?
- Flexibility for your whānau – Care that fits around your family’s needs, with hours and routines designed to work for you.
- The comfort of home – Early learning and care in a warm, familiar environment that feels just like home.
- Low ratios – With no more than four tamariki in total, and just one or two under the age of two, your child enjoys personalised attention, care, and support during these important early years.
- Nurturing relationships – Strong bonds with their dedicated Educator and close connections with a small group of children.
- Community connections – Everyday experiences and regular outings that help your child learn about and feel part of their local community.
- Quality learning – Education guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early learning curriculum, with regular updates on your child’s progress.
Because the best early learning happens where tamariki feel at home.
More about home based
Flexibility for families
Home Based Early Learning offers excellent flexibility for the whole family. For children, care in a home setting, with one educator and a familiar, small group of friends, feels like an extension of their own house and day-to-day life.
For parents, extended hours to suit shift work or ‘part day’ care is available from some educators. Plus, you’ll find your educator becomes part of the family – a trusted friend who may be able to offer extra hours, and other care support if needed.
"It works very well for our family as our educator is far more flexible offering longer hours and extra days when we need them"
Julia, Parent l Auckland
Quality early learning
There are over 100 home based educators across Aotearoa New Zealand. Each one is passionate about providing a loving and safe space for your child’s early learning.
Home Based educators deliver a comprehensive program of early learning experiences – guided by Te Whāriki – New Zealand's early learning curriculum – and supported by monthly visits from a Barnardos Visiting Teacher.
"We love our educator. Love the philosophy and the support we receive. We enjoy the personal connection and attention we recieve (more like family).
Natalie, Parent l Auckland
Community connection
Alongside a routine like your child is used to at home, Home Based Early Learning offers a unique opportunity for community connection. Adventures to local parks and community facilities such as libraries and playgroups are just some of the activities your child will enjoy.
"Flexible, excellent care and education for my kids, convenience and reasonable cost"
Joanna l Wellington
Find a location near you
Is Home Based Early Learning the right choice for your family?
Choosing the right early learning option for your child is an important decision. If you have questions about how Home Based Early Learning works, what a typical day looks like, or how it could fit with your family’s schedule, our friendly Community Coordinators are here to help.
They can guide you through the process, explain how we match children with Educators, and provide information about our training, safety checks, and support systems for Educators. Whether it’s your first time exploring Home Based Early Learning or you just want more details, our team can provide the advice and reassurance you need to make the best choice for your child.
Speak to one of our Community Coordinators today.
