Becoming An Educator

Home-based care is the supervised education and care of children from birth to six years old, in the private homes of approved educators. Educators and their homes must meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education (Home-based Care Order, 1992) and Amendments 1998.  The main areas covered are: indoor and outdoor safety; health; hygiene; play equipment and activities; and management practices for child behaviour.

Educators must also meet certain requirements of KIDDZ Home-based Early Childhood Education Service such as compulsory police checks, training and a First Aid course within 3 months of being approved as an educator.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF EDUCATORS?

We are looking for educators who:

• are committed to providing reliable, consistent education and care for children and their families,

• are motivated, flexible and fun,

• are warm, relaxed and enjoy working with children,

• have an awareness of child development and/or a willingness to take part in relevant training,

• can provide a variety of learning opportunities and experiences,

• are culturally sensitive and aware of the needs of all children

WHAT MUST OUR EDUCATORS HAVE?

• A commitment to children and their well-being, having the time to meet the needs of all children in their care.

• A commitment to working with KIDDZ in providing consistent, high quality education and care for children.

• A commitment to providing a range of relevant and developmentally appropriate activities for the children in their care.

• A warm, relaxed and caring personality.

• A knowledge or awareness of child development, or a willingness to develop the knowledge.

• A commitment to attending Educator Meetings on a regular basis.

• A commitment to attending relevant in-service training courses provided by KIDDZ.

• A First aid certificate or undertaking training to gain one.

• A home that meets the Ministry of Education Home-Based Care Order 1992 and Amendments 1998. This means that your home will be a safe and secure environment for children at all times.

• A willingness to attend KIDDZ playgroup regularly.

• An ability to keep records carefully and confidentially.

You will:

• Attend Educator meetings and workshops as required.
• Attend KIDDZ Playgroup regularly.
• Provide a range of learning experiences and opportunities for children in your care?
• Say NO if you think the proposed arrangements will not work.
• Be responsible at all times for children placed in your care.
• Notify the care arranger immediately if you or anyone in your household is sick. You should not accept sick children into your care when other children will be present.
• Provide a child proof first aid kit and attend a recognised first aid course?
• Keep in close contact with the Coordinators and let them know of any concerns you may have.
• Let the Coordinators and parents know as soon as possible if you cannot care for the children placed with you.
• Give the Coordinator at least a fortnight’s notice before you cease care.

We will:

• Check your community references and organise the necessary police checks. These will be treated confidentially.
• Pay for a NZQA recognised first Aid Certificate.
• Organise regular Educator meetings and in-service training.
• Provide a regular, supervised playgroup.
• Introduce you to prospective parents and their children.
• Visit you regularly and help you plan individual educational programmes for the children in your care using Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood Curriculum.
• Provide support and professional guidance and be available for you when you have concerns. 
• Mediate between you and parents if concerns arise.
• Introduce you to other Educators to provide support for each other.
• Keep you and other Educators informed with a regular newsletter

• The opportunity to develop your personal learning through education programes, workshops and in-service training.
• The support and companionship of other educators.
•   Professional support, information and advice from our Coordinators.  
• A supply of play equipment, nursery furniture, art supplies etc.
• A regular newsletter.
• The satisfaction of working with parents / whanau in the education and care of their children
• The opportunity to work from home.
• The Educator sets their rate of reimbursement between  $4.50 to $6.00 per hour, per child. 
• The opportunity to take part in a playgroup supervised by an Early Childhood Teacher.

• How does your family feel about you caring for other children? How would you meet your own and your families needs, as well as those of an extra child / children?
• What do you feel about parents who go out to work, or have time out because they cannot cope? Can you be non-judgemental?
• Will you be able to approach parents / guardians professionally to discuss any problems?
• Are the people in your house (17 years and over) prepared to have a police check done?
• Would you be sensitive to a child of another culture? Could you meet their needs?
• What about a child with special needs? Is your home suitable?
•   Is your home smoke free? If not, can you provide one? Do you have the commitment to ensure it is on going?
• Are you able to commit yourself to compulsory basic training, further relevant early childhood training, a First Aid course and attending meetings and workshops as required?
• Can you impose limits on TV watching in your home?
• Can you say "no" to the Coordinator and parents if things are not working out?
•   Can you ask for support when necessary?

HOW DO I GO ABOUT BECOMING AN EDUCATOR?

• Complete the application form as fully as possible and return it to KIDDZ . 
•   Once we receive your application a Coordinator will contact you and arrange an initial interview in your home to discuss the application with you.
•   If you wish to proceed with the application the Coordinator will arrange a second visit to carry out a safety check of your home.
• We will then return to discuss the codes of practice and other aspects of Homebased education and care.
•   If you are selected as an Educator your name will be entered on the list of Educators, and we will begin placing children with you as they become available.