Find the right childcare type for your family
New Zealand offers diverse early childhood education options. Explore different care types to understand which best suits your child's needs, your family's schedule, and your cultural preferences.
Daycare & Childcare Centres
Full-day childcare centres providing education and care for children from infancy to school age. These services offer structured learning programs, nutritious meals, and qualified teachers in licensed facilities.
Kindergarten
Traditional kindergartens offering sessional education for children aged 2-5 years. Free kindergartens provide play-based learning led by qualified teachers, focusing on social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Te Kōhanga Reo
Māori language immersion early childhood centres where tamariki learn through te reo Māori and tikanga Māori. Kōhanga Reo provide culturally rich environments nurturing language revitalization and Māori identity.
Playcentre
Parent-led cooperative early childhood centres where whānau participate actively in their children's learning. Playcentres offer play-based programs, parent education, and community-focused environments for children 0-6 years.
Home-based Care
Small group childcare provided in a home environment by qualified educators. Home-based care offers flexible hours, personalized attention, and family-like settings supervised by registered networks.
Pacific Language Immersion
Pacific language immersion early childhood centres where children learn through Pacific languages and cultures. These services celebrate and maintain Pacific Island heritage, languages, and traditions.
Pacific Bilingual Care
Bilingual early childhood services offering education in Pacific languages and English. These centres support children to maintain their Pacific heritage while developing English language skills.
Bilingual Education & Care
Bilingual early childhood services offering education in both English and te reo Māori. These centres provide dual-language learning opportunities, supporting children to become confident in both languages.
Puna Reo
Māori immersion childcare centres similar to Kōhanga Reo, focused on te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Puna Reo provide language nests where tamariki are immersed in Māori language and cultural practices.
Hospital-based Care
Childcare services located within hospital facilities, primarily for children of hospital staff. These centres offer convenient care with flexible hours to accommodate healthcare workers' schedules.
Casual Care
Flexible childcare services offering casual or drop-in care without long-term commitments. Ideal for parents needing occasional or irregular childcare support.
Not sure which type is right for you?
Each childcare type offers unique benefits. Consider your child's age, your family's schedule, cultural preferences, and educational philosophy when choosing. Most centres offer tours where you can meet teachers, see the environment, and ask questions.