[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Hi guys, have read most of the posts about having babies etc. Rich and I are hoping to start a family soon. Like most of you here we have no family that we can depend on to help with the childcare. While i would love to be a stay at home mum for the first year, the reality is that we can't afford it. Are there any mums out there who have been in the same situation and what did you do about childcare?

I have looked on the playgroups website that someone has previously recommended on the forum, BUT they only do mornings and on certain days. I want to be sure that we can get baby/creche facilities BEFORE we find ourselves stuck. Am in the Wellington region. Any advise GREATLY appreciated!

[jubjub]

I think its probably a kindy you are looking for then, as they are open all day, the one down the road from me has a queue of parents dropping off every morning in time for work.

http://www2.everybody.co.nz/forum/ubbthreads.php?Cat=0

pop in and ask these guys on the parenting section, I know there are a few working mums on there with young babies.

[Oregonkiwi]

A lot of kindies only do part day sessions, it depends on the kindy.
It sounds like you need a full-day child care centre. Have you looked in the phone book? I typed "child care wellington" into google.co.nz and a bunch of listings came up so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a centre.

[kiwidebs]

Hi Karen and Rich

Nice to 'see' you guys on the forum lately. Sounds like you're settling well if you're talking about bringing a little one into the equation.
Our two go to a daycare centre - in our case Kindercare, who are fabulous. But I think they may just be an Auckland chain. I know there's another chain that's supposed to be excellent (I think it's called Bear Park or something) - but again, I don't know if it's nationwide.
There's loads of daycare facilities around for us working Mums. Just look at the costs as they get really expensive (we pay nearly $300 a week for our two to attend 3 days a week! :wah )

Debs

[Avalon]

Not that I have any personal experience - but we haev been helping a friend out in this department and one place to check out is a public creche round the side of the main library in Wellington. No idea if its what you are after - but we do here its an all day facility. Its also an ad-hoc one so you can use it as and when its needed. I cant even tell you the times im afraid.

Sorry thast all ive got!

[backtonz]

They are usually called playcenters. Most take 2+ due to licensing issues, but many do take kids from a few months old. You should have no problems finding them in Welly

[Oregonkiwi]

They are usually called playcenters.

Don't confuse child-care or day-care centres with Playcentre, which is a parent & child short session playgroup type thing - http://playcentre.org.nz/about_us.php?PHPSESSID=c835f649e805e2110b252d5bbca ae39e

[backtonz]

Our little one definitely went to a creche - but it had a "playcenter" in its name. I thought it was a kiwi word for creche, now I realise it was just a name.

[Karen and Rich Matthews]

Thanks a lot for the postings and there is certainly food for thought. I had a feeling it would be expensive- the same scenario that one person works to provide day care facilities- looks as if i'll have to bribe my parents into coming out for an extended "holiday" when the time comes!!!

Thanks guys