[zippygoblet]

Hi All,
Am planning to get a job in Chch or Auckland (fingers crossed) so if everything works out ok, just wondering whether Chch has any good daycare places? As I am a single mum, I'd be working full time and won't be able to look after my son, who is oging to be 8 years old, after he comes back from school. As I heard that NZ has a law that forbid kids below a certain age to stay at home alone (good law, that!) so that's why I was hoping if you all know any good places and approximately how much will it cost?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
zippy

ps. I tried doing a search on the forums, but the threads I've seen mention mostly creches for small kids....how???

[kiwidebs]

Hi

Most schools have after school programs and some have breakfast (before school) programs as well. Our local primary has an after school program that runs until 5pm in a hall beside the school. They do some really great arts and crafts stuff, and I think they help with homework for the older kids. I think my daughter will have to go one or two afternoons a week this year.
Debs

[Tia Maria]

Zippy,

This site has loads of info on after school care, holiday care etc

www.oscar.org.nz/index.asp

I know about it as our local After Schools programme won one of its awards. Any info you can't find on the website, just send them an email and I'm sure they'll be able to help.

Cheers

Tia

[zippygoblet]

Thanks Tia and Debs,
That's a real relief! :) Thanks so much! Am checking out the website right this minute! it's taking so long to load though....darn cables in Taiwan :P

That's good to know about the after school programs. At least I don't have to worry about dashing out during work to send him to a daycare...

now it's back to work...

Cheers!
hp

[Tia Maria]

Zippygoblet,

Hi there, the place that does holiday clubs and after school clubs near me was open today, so I popped in for you to find out some details.

I don't know how typical it is, but I thought it might be useful to have a real example:

The After School Care hours: 3.00pm to 6.00pm

They pick them up in a minibus and provide afternoon tea and various activities

Fees:

3pm-4.30pm: $8.50
3pm - 6pm: $15

Hope this is useful.

Cheers

Tia

[zippygoblet]

that's great help thanks, would those fees be daily?

if it's for the whole month, that'd be quite a hefty billl tho...starting to sweat from the bill haha

i suppose i can figure something out, maybe 3 days with the program and two days with friends...

hmn...food for thought...still..i'd have to find a job first! :)

cheers,
hp

[Tia Maria]

Yes those prices are per day. But I'm not sure how typical they are as we live fairly close to central Auckland so they may be more than most areas.

Its possible that you may be able to get help with such costs, someone else might know?

Cheers

Tia

[Mushymoo]

Hi

I am in the same boat at the moment. I am a single mum to a little girl of 4 1/2. Will be out in New Zealand for beginning 2008 (decided new year, new life etc). Am now trying to find a nursery for little one starting from Feb close to Auckland CBD, which doesnt have an long waiting list. Am hoping to get job close to CBD so want somewhere close by. If anyone has any helpful suggestions please feel free.

[Oregonkiwi]

My son's daycare centre in Newmarket has spaces, I think. PM me if you want more info - it might not be close enough to CBD for you though?

[Mushymoo]

Hi

Will PM you shortly.

Thanks for any help you give me.

Michelle

[Mushymoo]

Have just pm'd you.

Thanks
Michelle

[Bergita]

Hi
My OH is starting work as soon as we arrive, and I will be looking for a job during January. In February my daughter will start school, but on the days in January where I might need to go for interviews, are there places that will just take her for a few hours, or a day? The rest of the time I will want to have her with me as its a rare opportunity to spend lots of time with her.

[Oregonkiwi]

Here's some more general info about daycare. (Sorry Bergita, I don't have an answer for you.)
My experiences finding daycare in Auckland:
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=12148

Government childcare subsidy (eligibility depends on income):
http://www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz/childcare-assistance/index.html

"20 Hours Free" (our centre doesn't participate, but yours might...):
http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/get-assistance/extra-help/free-ece.html

[dharder]

"20 Hours Free" (our centre doesn't participate, but yours might...):
http://www.workandincome.govt.nz/get-assistance/extra-help/free-ece.html

I've been told that the subsidies from the government only cover staff salaries, nothing else. So even if they participate, they still have lots of things to cover. The kindergarten my younger ones will attend charges $4 per session as 'donation.' Like the school one, really only 'donation' in name, I think you are expected to pay.

Daniela

[jubjub]

Bergita, for occasional babysitting, this place might be an idea

http://www.miracles24hours.co.nz/aboutus.htm

I think its probably pricey, and you have to pay to even go into its books, but its a good last resort.

dont know anyone that has used it personally though.

[Bergita]

Thanks everyone. I've had a look at all the links above and there is some useful information there. That Miracles place is kind of pricey, but probably the most flexible - might be just what I need.

[Oregonkiwi]

Unfortunately, Miracles didn't actually open:

http://www.miracles24hours.co.nz/index.htm
Update: August 2007
It is with regret that miracles has been unable to open to date and offer the services as detailed on this site. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your interest and support.

[Bergita]

Oh my goodness! Well, thanks for pointing that out, what a pity. I'm sure I'll find something, I think its going to be easier to arrange once I arrive and can talk to people.

I wonder what happened to Miracles though.

[jubjub]

Unfortunately, Miracles didn't actually open:

http://www.miracles24hours.co.nz/index.htm
Update: August 2007
It is with regret that miracles has been unable to open to date and offer the services as detailed on this site. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your interest and support.

:o oops, ... I remember the reports and teh hoohaa when it was due to open and it took me ageeess to find the website, the fact its not open would explain that, and the lack of coverage recently.... sorry for leading you up the garden path folks...

shame that, it looks a good idea too!

[Oregonkiwi]

Bergita - maybe a school holiday programme? I don't know much about them (mine's still a pre-schooler) but a quick Google brought up these:
http://www.nzymca.com/kids/holiday.php
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/kids/holiday/index.asp (not updated for summer yet)
http://www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz/activities/childrenfamilies/default.asp
http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/kids/whatshappeningforchildrenandteens (also not updated for summer yet)
http://www.kidactive.co.nz/bin/webdata.dll?show=default
http://www.kiwifamilies.co.nz/Topics/School+Holidays.html?gclid=CJWK6Jj88I8CFSFaagodDh2 ANQ

[Bergita]

Wow! Thanks Oregonkiwi. Some lovely ideas there. It looks like I won't have to worry too much about being able to go for interviews with all the things that are going on for kids. That's a relief.