About Us

Educators
Our educators are awesome…. We only contract educators who have the highest of standards and with whom we would feel comfortable to leave our own children. All educators must comply with the Ministry of Education Home-based care regulations. These regulations relate to safety and suitability of educators homes and their childcare practices. All educators undergo a rigorous interview process and every one in the educator’s home over seventeen years of age must undergo a formal police check.

Our educators care for your children, which gives them one of the most responsible positions in our society today; a responsibility we all take very seriously.

Your educator will keep a ‘Learning Journal’ for your child. This is clear file, which will have learning stories, photos, artwork and any contribution you, your child, and your family wish to make.
Educators will provide quality care and education in a home environment, through respectful, caring relationships, quality interactions and a range of resources appropriate to the ages and stages of children attending.
Educator’s homes are smoke free.
Your educator will have no more than four children less than 6 years of age at any one time. Of that four, only two can be under 2 years of age.
Educator’s hours of care vary depending on the educator and the needs of children and parents/caregivers. The Kids Care Team will invoice you fortnightly for the hours agreed to by you and sent in by your educator. (See fee schedule on this document and WINZ subsidies). We then pay the educator.

Tracy Autridge - Owner / Visiting Teacher
Hi, I have been teaching in the early childhood field for 20 years, mostly in childcare centres until 2000 when I took a position in a home-based organisation. I thoroughly believe in the benifits of Home-based care, which lead me to start The Kids Care Team in 2004. I completed the Diploma of Teaching, Early Childhood Education, in 1992 and became a registered teacher in 2004. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Benefits of Home-based Care and Education
Whenever possible parents are given a choice of educator. You may choose an educator who is close to your home or your place of work. Educators receive professional support and guidance from qualified early childhood teachers (Visiting Teacher). Most educators provide flexible hours; there is no minimum hours your child has to attend. Siblings are able to spend their time together in a home environment. A mixed age group nurtures younger and older children teaching and learning from each other. There are small group sizes and a primary caregiver; therefore more knowledge of individuals, more one-on-one time and less time ‘waiting for your turn’. Larger group activities are promoted through playgroups (at The Parents Centre, New Plymouth and Stratford) and excursions. Parents are very welcome to attend playgroups (even if it is a day your child is not in care). Educators make the most of the wonderful resources our community and environment has to offer, such as parks, beaches, music groups, local shops, the library, zoos, farms and much more.