Nanny or home-based educator?

So which should you choose - a nanny or a home-based educator?
 
Deciding on childcare is often a difficult decision and you are left with so many options that it is sometimes hard to see the woods from the trees.

But when it comes to looking after babies and toddlers, perhaps one of the best options after having a parent at home, is having a nanny or an educator.

Your child receives one-on-one attention and care that is essential to their age and stage of development, while learning life-skills from a qualified and experienced nanny or educator.

Lisa Bentley, Director of KiwiOz Nannies, tells us the main differences between a nanny and a home-based educator.

From the location and type of childcare they offer to household duties, cost and ECE subsidies.
 

Nannies vs home-based educators

Here are 5 differences between a nanny and a home-based educator:
 

1. Location

 

Nannies

A nanny works in the family’s home so there is no need for drop-offs and pick-ups.

She arrives before you leave for work, allowing for a smoother transition during the busy morning, breakfast routine.

When your child is sick, there is no need to to take a day off as your nanny is there to support you.
 

Home-based educators

An educator works from her own home.

This will quickly become your child’s second home as well.

Although you need to do the drop-offs and pick-ups, your house remains your own private space during the day and your child/children have plenty of opportunity to engage in fun activities both in the educator's home and the local community.
 

2. Childcare

Nannies

A nanny, unless you are nanny sharing with a friend, solely looks after your children on a one-to-one basis and the routine is based on their individual needs.

Often nannies take children to playgroups, libraries, music groups and activity classes which are always a great occasion to meet other children.
 

Home-based-educators

An educator can look after up to 4 children at the same time.

Your child will often develop sibling-like relationships with the other children and it teaches them many important social skills.

 

3. Household duties

Nannies

While a nanny’s main focus is on looking after the children, some household duties are part of her job.

She typically looks after the children’s room, their laundry and meals, and makes sure the house stays tidy.

She also gives a hand around the house, for example putting in loads of washing, hanging it, emptying the dishwasher and running errands.

Nannies can also prepare the evening dinner, the children’s packed lunch and do the ironing for the family. So when you come home from work, you come back to a tidy house and the main chores have been done.

You just need to agree with the nanny before she starts on the nature and amount of housework required.
 

Home-based educators

As an educator works and looks after your children from her own home, she is not expected to carry out any of your household duties.
 

4. Cost

Nannies

Nanny wages vary from $18 to $25 per hour depending on experience.

You become the employer and are responsible for paying holiday and sick pay, KiwiSaver and ACC levies.

An agency such as KiwiOz will assist you with all of these processes, as well as the employment agreement contracts and payroll services.
 

Home-based educators

Educator rates range from $6-12 per hour.

An educator is self-employed and she will provide you with a contract and pays her own taxes, KiwiSaver and ACC levies.

 

5. ECE subsidies

Nannies & Home-based educators

In both cases, if you enrol your child to an educational programme like the KiwiOz Nannies Hop, Skip, Learn programme, you are entitled to up to 30 ECE hours per week of government subsidies to go towards your childcare costs for all 0-5 year olds.
  For more information on finding a nanny or educator, go to the KiwiOz Nannies website www.kiwioznannies.co.nz.
 

 

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Source: This article was written by Helene Girard at KiwiOz Nannies - NZ’s most referred nanny & educator placement agency.