Become a Home Based Educator
As a home based educator with Barnardos Early Learning, life is all about balance. Join today and you'll receive a $250 voucher and a $100 voucher per child starting care*. Apply today and begin your journey to become a home based educator and bring balance home.
Plus, enjoy up to $3,500 of benefits in your first year including:
- health and safety training
- regular visits and on tap phone support from a qualified early childhood teacher
- educational induction and training, including Level 4 Certificate in Early Learning
- ongoing professional development through annual conferences
- educational resources and equipment for your home
- access to playgroups and/or community excursions
- access to Storypark and other online tools
- marketing support.
We provide you with expert advice and training so you can support our tamariki one experience at a time. A career as a home based educator means total flexibility: your hours, your home, your way! You'll care for up to four children in the comfort of your own home and help nurture, inspire and spark curiosity, crafting an environment that supports the unique journey. We can't wait for you to join the Barnardos Early Learning whānau!
Please note: All applicants interested in becoming a Home Based Educator must have the required New Zealand visa to apply.
*Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about the educator reward programme here.
What Barnardos Early Learning Provides:
We support our educators to learn and succeed by providing you with the tools you need at no additional cost. You will be supported by other passionate and professional people, resources and opportunities. Apply today and begin your journey to become a home based educator and bring balance home.
Plus, enjoy up to $3,500 of benefits in your first year including:
- health and safety training
- regular visits and on tap phone support from a qualified early childhood teacher
- educational induction and training, including Level 4 Certificate in Early Learning
- ongoing professional development through annual conferences
- educational resources and equipment for your home
- access to playgroups and/or community excursions
- access to Storypark and other online tools
- marketing support.
Your Day as a Home Based Educator:
As a home based educator, your day might involve creating a loving and stimulating home-away-from-home environment and working with Barnardos Visiting Teachers to develop a personalised curriculum using Te Whāriki, the NZ Early Childhood Curriculum. You'll also support children's development through activities like excursions, fostering community connections, and nurturing confident and competent learners.
We’d love you to join us as a Home Based Educator if you have:
- a desire to nurture, inspire and support the growth of tamariki
- an aspiration to learn about, recognise and create teachable moments
- experience with children
- a home and personal background that meet our robust health and safety requirements
- a commitment to lifelong learning for yourself and the tamariki you will work with
- the ability to connect with parents as partners in their child’s learning.
Please note: only applicants that have New Zealand Residency will be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ever wondered what it's like to be a home based educator with Barnardos Early Learning? For everything you need to know, check out our commonly asked questions and answers below!
What is the job of a home based educator?
A home based educator is someone who cares for one to four children in their own home (including their own). They provide a nurturing learning environment that strengthens the individual children’s curiosity.
What does it take to become a home based educator?
To become a home based educator with Barnardos Early Learning, you will have:
- a home and environment that meets health and safety requirements
- a desire to inspire young children to learn through daily activities
- a passion to nurture and care for the children in your service
- a commitment to creating a positive difference in a young families life
- a willingness to stay connected with parents and the community
Do I need a formal qualification to join?
Once you have signed on to work with Barnardos Early Learning, we will pay and support you to complete the NZQA Level 4 ECE qualification. This is a requirement from the Ministry of Education and you can have children in your home whilst you work towards this. So you can get paid, while you study towards your Level 4 qualification!
What type of training does Barnardos Early Learning give me?
We will take you through our structured induction course, which includes health and safety requirements and everything you will need to know to have children in your home, and start your service.
Do I need a first aid certificate?
All home based educators must have a current first aid certificate. If you do not have one Barnardos Early Learning will pay for you to complete one.
How many children can I have in my care?
The maximum number of children you can have in your care at one time is four, with a maximum of 2 under 2 years olds. If you have your own tamariki under the age of 6 years at home (not enrolled in school), they will be included in this number.
Is there paper work involved?
Barnardos Early Learning is required to meet the Ministry of Education Regulations. As such, there are forms and records that need to be completed on an ongoing basis, and your Visiting Teacher will support you with this.
Still have questions?
You can download our full FAQs about becoming a home based educator here, or you can email our team at info@bel.org.nz.
