Guide
Starting childcare in New Zealand
A practical overview of ECE enrolment in New Zealand — when children can start, what to bring, what the settling-in process looks like, and what to consider when choosing a service.
When can children start ECE?
Children can attend licensed ECE services from birth. There is no minimum age set by law, though individual services may set their own minimum age (commonly 3 months).
ECE is not compulsory. School becomes compulsory from age 6. The government funds up to 20 hours per week of ECE for eligible children aged 3–5 (20 Hours ECE). Children aged under 3 can still attend but 20 Hours ECE does not apply until age 3.
Children start school on or after their 5th birthday — they do not need to wait for a term start. Most children transition from ECE to school between their 5th and 6th birthdays.
What documents are needed for enrolment?
Requirements vary by service. The following are commonly requested:
- Child's birth certificate or passport
- Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or similar)
- Immunisation records, or signed exemption if not immunised
- Emergency contact details
- Any relevant health or allergy information
- Visa documentation if applicable (for 20 Hours ECE eligibility confirmation)
Always confirm the exact requirements with the service before your visit.
What does settling in typically involve?
Most services use a gradual settling-in process where parents or caregivers stay with their child for the first few sessions, then leave for progressively longer periods over days or weeks.
Some services schedule a formal settling-in period; others are more flexible. Ask the service for their settling-in policy when you enrol.
Settling times vary widely by child. Some children adjust quickly; others need more time. This is normal and services are experienced in supporting both children and families through the transition.
Things to consider when choosing a service
The following are prompts to help you think through your priorities — not advice or a ranking of importance.
- Location — how far from home, work, or school pickup?
- Hours — do the opening hours match your schedule?
- 20 Hours ECE — does the service participate?
- Age group — does the service cater for your child's age?
- Service type — centre, kindergarten, home-based, or another type?
- Language or cultural environment — does it align with your family values?
- ERO report — when was it last reviewed and what did it say?
- Fees — what are the fees beyond the funded hours?
- Vacancies — is there a waiting list?
- Visit — can you bring your child for a visit before deciding?
What does 'licensed' mean?
A licensed ECE service has been assessed by the Ministry of Education as meeting the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 and the associated licensing criteria.
Licensing covers: minimum teacher qualification requirements, adult-to-child ratios, health and safety standards, premises requirements, and curriculum delivery (Te Whāriki). All services listed on FernHub are licensed.
Unlicensed childminding arrangements (such as informal babysitting) are not regulated by the Ministry of Education and are not listed on FernHub.
What is ERO?
ERO (the Education Review Office) is an independent government agency that reviews the quality of education and care at ECE services and schools. ERO reviews are conducted every 1–4 years depending on the service.
ERO publishes its reports at ero.govt.nz. You can search by service name to find the most recent report. Reports are released under Creative Commons — you can read and share them but not reproduce them for commercial purposes.
FernHub links to ERO from every service profile page but does not reproduce or summarise ERO content.
Useful official links
- Ministry of Education — ECE information →
Official information on ECE policy, types, and funding.
- ERO — Education Review Office →
Find review reports for individual ECE services.
- Work and Income NZ — Childcare Subsidy →
Information on financial assistance for eligible families.
- Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust →
Kōhanga Reo information and service locator.
- Playcentre Aotearoa →
Find your local Playcentre and learn about the cooperative model.