Fees and Subsidies
Find out more about fees and subsidies for home-based early learning and care.
How it works
Home-based early learning works a little differently to other early learning care types because educators are independent contractors. This means that, while they are registered with Tiny Nation to deliver an early childhood care and education programme, they set their own terms and conditions with the families that enrol with them.
Every educator has their own set hourly rate or fee that they charge, along with conditions of care that are specific to their service and environment.
Educator Fees
On average, Tiny Nation educators charge between $7 and $10 per hour, per child. This can differ (and can be more or less than the average) depending on a number of factors, including the educator’s location, experience and any ‘added extras’ that they might offer as a part of their service.
Your educator will have a ‘Care Contract’ that outlines their terms and conditions, including any fees. They will work through this with you prior to enrolment so that you can agree these together and feel comfortable with the care arrangement.
Subsidies
20 Hours ECE
If your child is between 3 and 6 years old, you will be eligible to receive 20 Hours ECE, which is a universal funding subsidy provided by the Ministry of Education. This means that the cost of care can be funded for up to 6 hours a day and up to 20 hours a week. Our Tiny Nation enrolment form includes an attestation where you write and sign for the days and hours you are claiming as 20 Hours ECE. The subsidy is paid directly to Tiny Nation and passed onto your educator for the days and hours attested.
There are no fees charged to parents for any hours attested as 20 Hours ECE, however, educators may ask parents for a voluntary donation or optional charge to help meet the cost of providing a high quality early learning service. The full amount of the donation or optional charge will be passed through to your educator. If requesting a donation or optional charge, your educator will share more about this in the care contract that you work through with them on enrolment.
Work and Income
Tiny Nation is a Work and Income approved early childhood education provider. If your family is on a low or middle income, you may be eligible for a childcare subsidy, which is a payment that families can apply for to help with the cost of pre-school childcare. You can find out more about this subsidy and other available home help payments by visiting the Work and Income website (www.workandincome.govt.nz).