Why Choose a Dream Educator
At Dream, we are passionate about children being cared for in a home environment. If you love Home-Based but don't want someone living in your home, like an Au Pair, and find that a Nanny is not affordable, then a Home-Based Educator may be the perfect option for you.As the premium agency offering Home-Based Childcare in Auckland, we prioritize the comfort and well-being of your child.
Our Dream Home-Based Educators provide nurturing care in their own homes. Accommodating a maximum of four children under six years old. Importantly, we limit the number of children under the age of two to two.
Why should I enroll my child in Home-Based Childcare?Â
Research shows that smaller group settings foster strong, responsive relationships among children, nurturing essential skills like sharing, trust, and kindness. With Home-Based Childcare, your child's routine seamlessly transitions into the Educator's home. This offers your child invaluable real-life experiences, from cooking and shopping to exploring parks, attending music classes, and more.
Furthermore, all our Educators follow the Dream Education Programme, ensuring a consistent and quality educational experience. It's worth noting that Dream Educator is licensed by the Ministry of Education, reflecting our commitment to meeting and exceeding educational standards.
Discover the joy of Home-Based Childcare in Auckland with Dream, where your child's growth and well-being are our top priorities.
What Does it Cost?
Fees, Charges and Funding for Home-Based Childcare
Our Educators operate as Private Independent Contractors, setting their own fees and handling all financial arrangements with parents. Fees typically range from $9 to $12 per child, per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, location, and any optional extras provided. This flexibility in pricing allows families to choose a service that best fits their budget without compromising on quality or care.
Optional extras may include:
- Excursions and outings
- Transport pick ups/drop offs
- Sunscreen, food and nappies
- Specific teaching resources such as a dance or music teacher
- Extension programmes
20 Hours ECE
20 hours of ECE is available through our Dream Educators. This entitles every 3 and 4 year old child enrolled with a Dream Educator to receive up to 20 hours ECE education per week. As a parent/caregiver you may claim a maximum of 6 hours per day, and up to 20 hours per week across all services.
Children enrolled at more than one ECE Service
Parents are able to split their 20 ECE hours between two or more ECE services or kĹŤhanga reo.
WINZ Subsidies
WINZ subsidies are available to those who are eligible.
Our Educators
Dream Educators are carefully selected for their warm and caring natures, ensuring we employ only the very best who truly love children.
Qualified Educators attend regular professional development opportunities to continually upskill and refine their talents. Every Dream Educator undergoes reference checks, police vetting, and holds a current First Aid Certificate. For added safety and peace of mind, those over 17 years living in the home are also police vetted.
In our commitment to quality care, we create a safe and caring environment prioritising your child's individual needs. This nurturing approach fosters their growth as confident and competent learners. Each Dream Educator's home boasts a fenced outdoor play area, enhancing security and enjoyment for the children.
Educa
In Auckland, Dream Educators craft personalised educational programmes based on each child's unique needs and interests.
Additionally, your child's learning journey is meticulously documented and shared via our online platform, Educa. Both the Educator and Visiting Teacher consistently update and share these special moments through photos, ensuring you're always connected to your child's day-to-day experiences.
Check Out Our Educators Below
North Auckland
Lynne
Located in Gulf Harbour
With 21 years in the Home-Based sector, I began when my sons were young and now they’re grown. The experience has been so rewarding that I’ve welcomed over 50 families into my home over the years.
My husband, our toy poodle cross Molly, and I share our home. Molly is accustomed to children and adores cuddles. One of the joys of Home-Based Childcare is offering children activities and outings similar to what they’d experience with their families.
Incorporating the whanau in our activities makes my home feel like an extension of theirs, creating a sense of one big family. We often explore our beautiful coast, visiting playgrounds, beaches, and scenic walks. Additionally, we frequent the library, attend music and movement sessions, playgroups, and engage in various community activities.
North Auckland
Lisa
Located in Hibiscus Coast
Hi! Meet Lisa. Living on the sunny Hibiscus Coast with her wonderful husband and their fur baby cat, she enjoys reading, dancing, walking, baking, and watching movies in her spare time. As a qualified Primary and ECE Teacher, Lisa spent seven years working in Early Childhood Centres before transitioning to the Home-Based sector in 2020. Since then, she hasn’t looked back. Lisa has a deep passion for teaching children under five, considering it an honor to witness their growth and development. Embracing this special stage in their lives, she values the small ratios in home-based education for offering more personalized care and one-on-one time with each child.
Why I’m an Educator
Believing that children learn best through play and relationships, Lisa fosters an environment that supports and encourages this approach. She tailors activities to each child’s individual needs and interests. Enthusiastic about reading, music, and dance, Lisa incorporates these into frequent activities at her home. Using their location to advantage, she takes the children on regular outings to the beach, playgroups, playgrounds, and the library. Beyond local adventures, Lisa enjoys exploring Auckland’s attractions like the Zoo and MOTAT with them.
North Auckland
Kerry
Located in Gulf Harbour
Hi! I’m Kerry. Over the past 10 years, I’ve been caring for children in my home. Before this chapter, I worked as a preschool teacher and a Nanny. I cherish taking children out into the community and social settings, encouraging them to explore nature and engage in messy play. I’m passionate about home-based childcare due to the nurturing environment it provides. As a result, the children I care for quickly become part of my extended family. Speaking of family, I have two wonderful children, an 11-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, as well as a supportive husband.
North Auckland
Sandy
Located in Red Beach
Hi, I’m Sandy. Originally from Taiwan, I’ve made New Zealand my home along with my husband and our two beautiful daughters, aged 4 and 8. For the past 3.5 years, I’ve been working as a home-based Educator, holding a Level 5 Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Choosing Home-Based Childcare is rooted in my belief that an environment resembling home offers children a sense of safety and security. Additionally, such an environment helps them become confident learners. By tailoring learning experiences to each child’s interests, I aim to motivate them in their unique ways.
Under my care, children experience a variety of learning environments. We venture out into the community to explore nature, attend playgroups, and participate in musical classes.
North Auckland
Sherri
Located in Stanmore Bay
Sherri is a Home-Based Educator based in Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa. With two adult children, one of whom still lives at home, and two small older dogs, Sherri has been an Educator since 1998, starting when her first born was a baby. In her house, there’s a purpose-built room with a deck and outside area set up specifically for the children. Additionally, the dogs are kept separate from this area to maintain a distinct space for the children.
Watching children grow and develop in ability and confidence brings Sherri experiences immense joy. She deeply values the role she plays in supporting their development. Encouraging empathy and social skills in children is important to her.
Under her care, children learn to interact with their peers independently and are encouraged to ask for help when needed. Beyond the home, Sherri takes them out into the local community to enjoy the beautiful area they live in and to interact with other Educators.
North Shore Auckland
Sheri
Located in Birkdale
Hello, I’m Sheri. Married to my best friend, our family includes two beautiful children. My journey into early childhood education began six years ago when I became a mother. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of teaching our tamariki, which has inspired me to continually strive to be my best self.
Becoming an early childhood teacher has given me the genuine opportunity to make a difference in young lives and influence future generations. Engaging with children provides a continuous learning experience, and I’m always eager to acquire new skills. Notably, I hold a Level 3 Early Childhood Certificate from NZSE and have gained experience as a playcentre mum and in daycare settings.
What I provide as an Educator
My passion lies in offering a safe, calm, and enriching environment for the children I care for. Tailoring a wide range of activities and learning opportunities to their interests and needs, I believe in giving children space to explore at their own pace, supported by me to reach their potential.
In my care, tamariki receive love and support, and families always feel welcome. Among the activities I offer are a purposefully set-up playroom, engaging art activities, a large outdoor play space equipped with swings, slides, and a trampoline, as well as sensory/messy play. We also explore the community by attending
weekly music sessions, playgroups, bush walks, library storytime, and playdates with other Educators. I eagerly look forward to seeing you!
North Shore Auckland
Jana
Kia ora! My name is Jana and I live in Beach Haven with the youngest 2, of my 4 sons. We’ve called this area home for 20 years and would love to welcome you and your little one into our space. Since the beginning of 2016, I’ve worked as an Educator and hold a Level 4 NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care. My training includes being a Registered Nurse in New Zealand and roles as a Midwife and Health Visitor (similar to a Plunket Nurse) in the UK.
What I provide as an Educator
In our home, I strive to create a warm, caring environment filled with rich experiences, activities, and creative spaces. I believe in giving children time for uninterrupted play within a calm, unhurried setting. Being outdoors brings joy to children, fostering wonder, curiosity, and a bond with nature. Through home-based care, I offer opportunities for kids to explore our beautiful local parks, bush, and beaches.
On top of that we enjoy outings to music classes, gymnastics, play dates, and visits to places like the library, museum, zoo, and Motat. Often, joining other Educators and friends, we experience the benefits of our small, mixed-age family group while connecting with a larger community. Lastly, if you’re interested, feel free to reach out for a chat and visit to see if our setting might be the right fit for your child.
North West Auckland
Jeanine
Located in Parakai
I’m a mother of two girls and a stepmother to another young lady. Geoff is my husband, and together we share our home with a variety of animals: dogs, cats, birds, chickens, and a rabbit. These animals bring a lot of joy to our household, and the children in my care love helping to feed and look after them. Egg collecting is always a big hit; it’s like an Easter egg hunt with our free-range chickens.
For the past 12 years, I’ve been involved in home-based childcare and cherish every moment of it. Witnessing the children learn new skills and grow is truly rewarding. They become an integral part of our whanau. Outdoor learning is a big focus for us, and we love exploring most mornings. The children’s learning is guided by their interests.
We also regularly attend playgroups and mainly music sessions each week, adding to our enriching experiences.
North West Auckland
Rachel B
Located in Helensville.
Hi, I’m Rachel. For the past 8 years, I’ve worked as a home-based Educator. Before this role, I was a qualified and registered ECE teacher, spending about 12 years in childcare centres, primarily with under 2’s. As a solo parent to two school-aged children, the flexibility of home-based care suited my family well, allowing me to be there for my own children when needed.
What I provide as a Educator
Home-based care offers a chance to form close bonds with the children and their families. While I provide this type of care, we’re not often at home. I enjoy exploring the community and its surroundings, from beaches and playgrounds to forests and skate parks. Most days, we join other Educators in the area, helping the children build relationships beyond their immediate group and allowing us to share ideas and support each other.
I believe in providing children with a nurturing, relaxed environment where they can grow, explore, and interact socially. This approach fosters spontaneity and free play, helping children reach their full potential.
South Auckland
Haley
My name is Haley and I live with my partner Darin, 6 year old son Joshua and our 2 year old Cavoodle Sadie in Totara Heights in Manukau. Before starting my Home-Based Childcare service, I was a Nanny for over 10 years until the birth of my son in 2018. After taking a year off, I launched my childcare service. Making the transition from being a Nanny to an Home-Based Educator has been a natural progression for me. Children learn best through play and enjoying the local community. Providing a home away from home, I care for children as if they were my own. We spend our days goofing around and having fun, as well as instilling those important life skills.
North Auckland
Jo
Located in Gulf Harbour
Meet Jo. Living in Gulf Harbour with her partner and their beautiful dog Harry, Jo also has an adult son who has flown the nest some time ago. After nine years of experience as an in-home educator, Jo cherishes this approach to childcare because it allows children more freedom to explore their unique interests through play. Recognizing each child as an individual deserving of personalized attention, Jo focuses on identifying their strengths to further enhance their learning, development, and self-esteem. Throughout the day, Jo offers a range of activities including art, messy play, and science experiments, often venturing out with the delightful Harry. She also regularly takes her charges to playgroups, fostering extended social interactions with their peers.
North Auckland
Christie
Currently on Maternity Leave.
Located in Stanmore Bay
Hi, I’m Christie. Working with children of all ages brings me great joy, and I’ve gathered substantial work and personal experience in this field. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on roles as a nanny and in other child-focused positions. Additionally, I’ve trained and worked as a Social Worker. With enthusiasm, commitment, and a proactive approach, I bring these qualities to my work, always eager to learn and ready to take initiative.
North Auckland
Katie
Located in Gulf Harbour
Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to caring for young children. Initially, I worked in full-day care centers in England. Later, I served as a Nanny, gaining valuable experience and insights. Eventually, I transitioned to a role as a Home-Based Educator. In every setting, my passion lies providing the best care and abundant learning opportunities for young children. I firmly believe in treating them with respect and offering them opportunities to develop resilience, independence, and a wealth of knowledge and holistic skills that will benefit them throughout life. When children are in my care, they become part of my extended family.
West Auckland
Shareen
Located in Henderson
Shareen is a loving and experienced home-based educator who has cared for and educated many children over her time in the sector. Additionally, she has raised her own children and now enjoys time with her grandchildren. Committed to her community, Shareen always goes the extra mile to support the children in her care.
Central Auckland
Dorren
Qualified Early Childhood Educator in Mt Albert
With 15 years of experience, I offer a nurturing and safe environment where each child receives personalised, one on one care. I believe in learning through play and providing children with opportunities to explore their interests.
My weekly program includes trips to Gymnastics, Mainly Music, Playgroups, Zoo, MOTAT, Museum, Ambury Farm, and more.
Register Now
Take the First Step
If you are interested in finding home-based childcare in Auckland, please fill in our Family Registration Form or contact us for more information. Once you are registered, we will be in touch to find the perfect Educator for your family.