CHILDCARE FAQ's

Sprouts In-home Childcare Educators form a strong bond with Children in their care. Parents feel happy knowing their children are cared for in a nurturing environment and their individual needs are met. The children learn through a play-based environment. Read our childcare FAQ's below.

Who are Sprouts In-Home Childcare?

Sprouts In-Home Childcare is a privately owned Early Childhood Home-based Education and Childcare Service, licensed with the Ministry of Education. We have been operating in the Hawke's bay area since September 2000. We now have offices in Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau, and Dannevirke.

What is Home-Based Childcare?

Home-based Childcare enables pre-school children to be educated and cared for in the homes of our carefully selected educators. It is aimed at those who need childcare in a situation that isn’t too different from your child's experiences at home. Many parents do not want their children at childcare centres and Sprouts In-Home Childcare offers small adult to children ratios so that your child gets more personalised care.

What hours are available?

All educators have different hours available. We find the perfect fit for you and your family.

We arrange fixed enrolled hours each week with set days and hours.
We offer flexible hours which can vary week to week.
We offer casual bookings we can arrange on any given day.

What are the fees?

Hourly rates vary each region so it's best to ring your local Sprouts In-Home Childcare office to discuss costs for your area. Subsidies are available for families who are eligible through Work and Income, and we can also offer 20 hours free ECE.

How many children?

There are no more than 4 children at each educators home, ratios are 1 adult to 4 children. This can be made up of 2 children under 2 years old and 2 children over 2 years old, or 4 children over 4 years old.

What happens when my educator is sick?

When possible, we endeavour to organise emergency care with other approved educators in the area at short notice. However we do suggest that parents prepare a backup plan in case this is not possible!

What do I send my child with each day?

A packed lunch box with morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and bottles depending on the hours they are with their educator.
Enough nappies for the duration of each day, plus any creams you are using.
Enough spare clothes - As work and play are encouraged they may get wet or dirty. Please also allow for seasonal changes.
Bed linen – however some educators provide linen, this can be discussed and decided on between the families and their in-home educator.
Medications if required - Please discuss your child's needs with your educator.

How will I know what is happening each day?

Evidence is documented in each child’s portfolio. This is available for you to view and discuss at any time. We encourage family contribution on a regular basis and the portfolio is for you to keep once it is full. When your children leave our care to start school – it’s yours forever!

Who decides which educator the children go to?

Parents/ Caregivers are provided with all available Sprouts In-home educators in their area and parents may meet each of them and decide who their preference is. When both parents/ caregiver and educator are happy then an enrollment can be completed.

Is my child confined to the educators home?

Our In-home educators have a mixture of planned and spontaneous outings with the children. They may participate in regular play group meetings, trips to the library, music groups and a range of other activities. We encourage families to discuss ideas with us so that our Sprouts kids have a variety of experiences.

ARRANGE A MEETING OR CALL

Contact us to learn more about our childcare services, fees and talented educators available in your region. We provide flexible childcare to suit your family needs and budget. Complete our online form to arrange a meeting with one of our regional co-ordinators or give us a call on our free-phone number below.

Click to Call 0800 777 688