Why more teachers are choosing Homebased Education

If you’re a qualified ECE teacher, you probably didn’t choose this career to feel constantly rushed, overstretched, and pulled in ten directions at once. You chose it for the connections. For the moments when a child masters something new, the conversations that spark curiosity and the quiet one-on-one interactions that make children feel truly seen. Yet for many teachers working in centres, the pace and pressure can slowly chip away at the joy of teaching. High ratios, busy routines and the constant juggle of responsibilities can leave even the most passionate Kaiako feeling burnt out. That’s why more teachers are beginning to look toward homebased education and discovering a different way to work. One that feels calmer, more intentional and far more sustainable.

In a homebased setting,smaller group sizes mean you finally have the time to teach the way you always imagined you would. Each home based educator can only have up to four children under 5 years old. There’s space to slow down, follow children’s interests and build genuine relationships without feeling like you’re always racing the clock. The day flows more naturally, transitions are gentler and learning feels woven into everyday life rather than squeezed into a tight schedule. Many teachers find that this slower rhythm doesn’t just benefit the children, it really transforms their own wellbeing too. Homebased education also offers a level of flexibility that centre work rarely can. You can shape your hours, design your own learning environment and even include your own young children in your day, creating a work–life balance that actually works. With strong professional support behind you, from training to administration, you’re never on your own, but you are free to focus on what matters most: meaningful, high-quality teaching.

For many educators, the biggest surprise is how quickly their passion returns. When you’re no longer operating in survival mode, you can be present, creative and fulfilled in your work again. Teaching starts to feel purposeful instead of pressured. If you’ve been wondering whether there’s a more balanced way to do what you love, homebased education might be the change you’ve been searching for. Sometimes the bravest step in your career is simply allowing yourself to imagine something different and discovering that it fits you better than you ever expected.

We’d love to chat with you about what a move to homebased education could look like.