A Tauranga home-based childcare provider needs educators to provide crucial care for children of essential workers during the lockdown – so they can continue their vital work.

Edubase, which runs Homegrown Kids and Kids at Home, is one of three nationwide providers contracted to arrange care for children whose parents work in essential roles such as medicine, emergency services and supermarkets.

Dave Best from Edubase says it's a different arrangement to normal home-based care.

'For safety reasons, instead of small groups of up to four children, our educators will only be looking after children from one family (as well as any children of their own). That means we need extra people right now to provide that care.”

He says anyone who normally works in a childcare centre is eligible to work as a home-based carer during the emergency period.

'We've already had great support from people in the community, including other providers and teachers who have been in touch with offers of help. It's really great to see everyone pulling together to support essential workers and their families, and we just want to help as many more of them as we can.”

The emergency home-based childcare is government-funded and parents aren't being charged any fees. It is open to children up to 14-years-old. Only parents in essential work who don't have other options for childcare are eligible.

'This is a way to help those families who are on the frontline looking after the rest of us. If you are registered and able to provide a friendly home environment, we'd love to hear from you today.”

Dave says educators will be paid weekly and supported by Edubase with regular contact from a supportive member of their team.

For more information call 0508 EDUBASE or email: admin@edubase.co.nz