Childcare at Big Steps Educare
Thinking About Childcare? Big Steps Educare Has You Covered!
Kia ora whānau!
We know there’s a lot to think about when it comes to early childhood education—especially when you're balancing work, whānau life, and finances. So we’ve gathered up some of the top questions families are asking about childcare in Aotearoa, and answered them from Big Steps Educare.
Let’s take those big questions one step at a time...
How does the childcare subsidy work in New Zealand?
The Childcare Subsidy is offered through Work and Income (WINZ) to help with the cost of early childhood education. If you're a parent or caregiver on a lower-to-middle income, you may qualify! The amount you receive depends on:
Your total household income
How many children you have
How many hours of care you need (based on work/study/training)
At Big Steps Educare, we’re happy to support you through this process—just ask!
What childcare expenses can be claimed in New Zealand?
While you can’t claim childcare as a tax deduction in NZ (like some countries), subsidies like the Childcare Subsidy or 20 Hours ECE for 3- to 5-year-olds can go a long way in easing the cost. At Big Steps Educare, we offer the 20 Hours Free ECE and work hard to ensure high-quality care remains affordable for every whānau.
Who gets the childcare subsidy?
You might be surprised! Many working families, solo parents, and caregivers are eligible. If you're working, studying, job-seeking, or training, it's worth checking your eligibility—even part-time hours can qualify you for support. At Big Steps, we welcome everyone, and we’re more than happy to help you through the paperwork.
Why is childcare so expensive?
We get it—it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: at Big Steps Educare, we’re a not-for-profit, community-based centre. That means every dollar goes back into creating the best possible experience for your tamariki—from caring kaiako to quality learning resources, beautiful play spaces, and ongoing professional development rooted in Te Ao Māori.
Is there childcare near me in East Otago?
Yes! If you're in Waikouaiti, Karitane, Palmerston or anywhere in East Otago—we’re just around the corner. Big Steps Educare is nestled in the heart of our rural community, with plenty of space to grow, play and explore.
What is the FamilyBoost for daycare?
FamilyBoost is a government initiative aimed at making early childhood education more affordable for working families. It’s a rebate that can cover up to 25% of your out-of-pocket childcare costs (capped annually). You can apply through Inland Revenue and may be eligible even if you already receive the Childcare Subsidy.
Because we’re more than just a childcare centre—we’re a whānau. We believe in:
Relationships built on aroha, respect and trust
Tamariki-led learning through play
Embracing the outdoors and caring for Papatūānuku
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and celebrating the richness of Te Ao Māori
Supporting every learner, every whānau, every background
At Big Steps Educare, your tamariki matter—and we’re here for your whānau every step of the way.
Food and Choking Guidelines.
Lunchbox Guidelines
Choking Guidelines for Lunch Box Foods: Insights from the Ministry of Health New Zealand
As parents prepare lunch boxes for their children, ensuring that the meals are not only nutritious but also safe is paramount. The Ministry of Health in New Zealand has established guidelines to help reduce the risk of choking, particularly for young children who may be more vulnerable. Understanding these recommendations can assist parents in making better choices when packing lunches.
Key Choking Hazards
Certain foods pose a higher risk of choking, especially for children aged three and under. The Ministry of Health identifies the following as common choking hazards:
Whole Nuts and Seeds: Their small size and hard texture can easily block a child's airway.
Hard Lollies: As they are difficult to chew and swallow, they are often cited as a significant choking risk for young children.
Popcorn: While considered a fun snack, popcorn pieces can easily become lodged in a child's throat.
Raw Vegetables: Foods like carrots, celery, and other raw vegetables should be cut into appropriate sizes or cooked to soften them.
Chunky Peanut Butter: This can stick to the roof of a child’s mouth and pose a choking risk. Smooth peanut butter is a safer option.
Grapes and Cherry Tomatoes: These should be sliced in half to prevent any choking incidents.
Fish with Bones: Ensure that all fish served is boneless to avoid choking.
Safe Food Preparation Tips
In addition to avoiding specific choking hazards, parents can take proactive steps to ensure the safety of foods packed in lunch boxes:
Cut Food Into Manageable Pieces: When preparing lunch, cut food into small, bite-sized pieces. This is especially crucial for foods like meat, cheese, and fruits.
Cook Foods to Appropriate Softness: Cooking can make certain foods safer; for instance, steaming or boiling vegetables until they are soft reduces the risk of choking.
Monitor Portion Sizes: Providing smaller portions can help children eat at a manageable pace and prevent overloading their mouths.
Introduce a Variety of Textures Gradually: As children grow older, they can handle different textures. Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts to gauge their ability to chew and swallow adequately.
Encouraging Safe Eating Practices
Teaching children about safe eating practices is also essential. Parents should encourage children to:
Sit while eating to minimize the risk of choking.
Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
Avoid talking or laughing with food in their mouths.
Conclusion
The lunch box is an important part of a child's daily nutrition, but ensuring it is safe is equally crucial. By adhering to the choking guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health in New Zealand, parents can significantly reduce the risk of choking incidents. In doing so, they can provide a more enjoyable and safe lunchtime experience for their children.