The Government funding provides a basic subsidy for three and four year old children for up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, or 6 hours per day, once a child turns three years old. The subsidy does not cover the cost of qualified educators, high educator to child ratio, snacks and remaining hours your child is at the centre. As Young Explorers provides these additional services, it is necessary for us to charge you for these to cover our costs. Young Explorers passes the entire subsidy received from the Government directly on to the parent or caregiver through the reduction in fees.
Families whose children receive the 20 hours ECE may also receive a WINZ subsidy that is not covered by the 20 ECE hours. Parents need to complete and sign an enrolment form to confirm the 20 hours ECE their child will receive at Young Explorers and at any other service their child attends. This form needs to be updated when any changes in childcare arrangements affect the 20 hours ECE.
If a child is absent for a period of up to three continuous weeks, The Ministry of Education will continue to fund Young Explorers while the child is away. However, funding will stop after three weeks absence and parents will be charged full fees to retain their place.