Pioneers Home-based provides a wonderful option for children who thrive in smaller groups, or families that need more flexible education and care arrangements. Children participate in small family-like groups in the Educator’s own home. There are 40 Pioneers Home-based Educators located throughout Dunedin.
Our home-based educators have a maximum of four children under the age of six years (including the educator’s own child) in their care including no more than two children under two years so you can be sure that your child will receive individualised attention.
Children enrolled in Pioneers Home-based programmes enjoy a planned curriculum with plenty of fun learning experiences that include both indoor and outdoor play, imaginative play, reading, mathematical games, physical activity, baking and gardening.
Educators plan their curriculum based on children’s strengths and interests and will talk to you about your goals for your children and incorporate these into their daily programmes.
There are lots of opportunities to meet and interact with other children at our playgroups, gym, music and bike groups. Regular excursions to explore local gardens and parks, museums and libraries also help to nurture children’s curiosity and their appreciation of the natural world they live in.
At Pioneers we are committed to providing high quality learning programmes and only employ the very best educators. Our home-based educators are closely screened so we know that they are people who love children and will provide a nurturing environment in which children can explore and learn.
Our educators have a range of qualifications and undertake training through the Open Polytechnic with support from Pioneers.
Read our Home-based ERO Report here (also known as Rata).
Visiting Teachers
Our Home-based educators are supported by Visiting Teachers - early childhood qualified and registered teachers who regularly visit your educator and children. Visiting Teachers are responsible for mentoring and coaching educators and assessing the home based learning programmes and environments.
Visiting Teachers ensure that your child is nurtured in a safe environment. They check that the Ministry of Education’s regulations for home-based care are being followed and all the health and safety boxes are being ticked.
Our Visiting Teachers can also help you to choose the best educator for your child and will provide ongoing support by ensuring open communication between Pioneers, our educators and you as parents.
The Pioneers Home-based service allows your child to learn alongside a small group of friends with an educator who is passionate about their care and learning.
Pioneers Visiting Teachers Team
Clockwise from Left: Linda McRae (Team Leader), Jennie Atkinson and Kim Woods
