What do you need to become a Giggles Home Based Educarer?

Before you are accepted as a Home Based Educarer you will have:

• been police-checked (police checks are also carried out on all others aged 17 years and over living in the Caregiver’s home);
• a current First Aid Certificate ;
• provided medical and personal references;
• completed the Giggles Educarer Induction Course;
• your home inspected to ensure it meets the strict health and safety standards set by the Education (Home-based Care) Order 1992 and 1998 Amendment.

 

How many hours do you have to work?

There is a minimum of 20 hours per week. Should you need to take time off from your regular hours then you need to give at least 14 days notice to allow for alternative care to be arranged for the children.

What do Educarers Receive from Giggles Home Based Care?

Educarers have a choice of contractual arrangements with Giggles:

a) a Giggles contracted educarer where childcare fees and reimbursement rates are set by Giggles; or

b) A private independent contractor where all financial arrangements (including their hourly rate) are made between the Educarer and the Parent.

Private Independent Contractors

If you are an independent contractor then you are able to charge your own fees and you will be responsible for all financial arrangements with the parents. In addition, an administration allowance of 50 cents per hour per child, to a maximum of 6 hours a day, will be paid fortnightly by Giggles Home Based care.

Do Educarers Pay Tax?

Giggles Home Care Educarers are not employees of Giggles and are therefore responsible for paying tax on the money they receive. Under present law, Educarers are liable for tax on their reimbursements less their costs incurred in providing that care. This may be either the actual costs for which full records must be kept or the "Standard Cost of Care" as set out in IRD's Determination DET001 dated 10th May, 2004. Educarers are also responsible for any ACC levies on their income.

What is Expected of Educarers?

Giggles Independent and Contracted Educarers are required to:

• complete admin tasks required by Giggles (i.e. diaries, time sheets etc.) and;
• attend in house training and;
• obtain and keep a current first aid certificate and;
• those who have no formal early childhood qualifications are required to complete the first module of the NZ Certificate in Family Day Care through the Open Polytechnic of NZ. This can be done in your own home and is started after care begins.

 

What are the fees?

Fees range from $4.50 to $6.00 per hour, per child, depending on educarer qualifications and experience. Parents are charged what the Educarer is paid. Full fees are paid for any enrolled absences, including sickness, unless five working days notice has been given.

If you think you might like to join us then please contact us for further information.