Tiny Nation, a leading home-based early childhood education (ECE) provider, celebrates the Government’s recent announcement to expand FamilyBoost payments—an initiative that will make childcare more affordable for thousands of additional families across Aotearoa.
From 1 October, eligible families will be able to claim up to 40% of their ECE fees, with the income threshold lifted to just under $230,000. This expansion means around 21,000 more families will now qualify for support, helping ease the financial burden during what continues to be a challenging economic climate.
“This is a timely and meaningful boost for families,” says Erin Maloney, Tiny Nation Founding Director. “With the cost of living continuing to rise, access to affordable childcare is more critical than ever. FamilyBoost is helping to ensure that parents can continue working, studying, or caring for their whānau—while their children thrive in nurturing early learning environments.”
The upcoming ECE funding review is another opportunity to strengthen the sector and ensure that home-based services are adequately supported. Tiny Nation looks forward to engaging in this process and advocating for sustainable investment that reflects the value of home-based ECE—particularly its ability to serve diverse communities, rural areas, and families seeking smaller, relationship-rich learning environments.
“We’re proud to champion a service type that meets families where they are,” says Erin Maloney. “With continued Government support, we can ensure that home-based ECE remains a vibrant, accessible option for all whānau—now and into the future.”
Read the full Government announcement HERE.