An alternative to early childhood centres
Our home based service provides nurturing, special places where children receive education and care with smaller ratios of teachers to children (1:4 maximum). We know children are unique individuals who learn in their own way and at their own pace. These environments are calm, predictable and familiar, enabling children to feel a sense of belonging, safety and security.
In Bright Futures home based care and learning your child will benefit from:
- A relationship with a consistent Educarer who supports their emotional well-being
- Opportunities to socialise with other children in a small group
- Regular play groups, music groups and outings (at no extra cost) where your child can socialise in larger groups
- A fun and stimulating environment
- An environment which research shows is better for learning and thriving
We can assure you that:
- You have the opportunity to personally meet and select an Educarer most appropriate for your child, family and whānau, with the flexibility to choose what hours and days the care is provided
- Your Educarer will have been through a selection process and will either be trained, or have experience and be continually supported by a Visiting Teacher
- We make the enrolment process and any other administration quick, easy and practical
- We offer affordable care options and childcare subsidies are available, depending on your circumstances
What will my child do in home based care?
Children learn through play. Bright Futures Educarers (supported by Visiting Teachers) work with families and whānau to provide rich learning and play experiences for all children…everyday.
This includes things like reading, art, craft, music, dance, sport, waterplay, baking, gardening, building, caring for animals and so much more.
In addition we provide playgroups, activity based outings, Te Ao Māori group and excursions.
What will my child learn?
Bright Futures curriculum works within the framework of Te Whāriki He Whāriki Mātaurangamō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa – the New Zealand early childhood curriculum.
Our Visiting Teachers visit your child in the Educarer’s home at least once a month. They will complete a formal record of your child’s progress and their interests. At this time, the Visiting Teachers guide and support the Educarer, making links to the principles and goals of Te Whāriki and upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Learning observations will be used to show assessment, planning and evaluation that demonstrate an understanding of children’s learning, their interests, whānau and life contexts.
As well as these formal observations, your Educarer will keep a profile of exciting happenings, language development, their drawings, photographs and more which you can look at each day and record your own aspirations for your child. We encourage you to take the time to talk to your Educarer when you drop off or pick up your child. Keeping your Educarer informed of things that are going on e.g. a late night or the excitement of an upcoming birthday will help your Educarer understand and provide for your child‘s well-being.
Educarers and our Visiting Teachers are happy to talk to you about your child’s progress at any time.
“Bright Futures is family orientated and friendly, both the Visiting Teachers and my Educarer go the extra mile for me. It is lovely to see the bond my children have developed with their Educarer and it is one of the reasons Bright Futures is my first choice for childcare.” – Hope, Parent
“Bright Futures childcare and learning is a service of Napier Family Centre, an award winning not for profit social service agency. Any surpluses we make go right back in, to help provide a better service to our local communities.”