Thinking about working in childcare but not sure which path is right for you? Babysitting, nannying, and working in a daycare or ECE centre are all very different — different hours, different pay structures, different qualifications, and different day-to-day realities. Here's a clear breakdown.
What it is: Flexible, session-based care, usually in the family's home. Typically evenings, weekends, or occasional weekdays.
Hours: Highly flexible. You choose when you're available and can accept or decline bookings.
Pay: Typically $20–$30/hr, set by you. On The Village Co, you set your own rate and get paid automatically via Stripe.
Qualifications required: No formal qualification required, but a first aid certificate and references are expected on platforms like The Village Co. All sitters are vetted including a police check.
Best for: People who want flexible income around study, other work, or life commitments. Great for students, people with other part-time jobs, or those who want to "try out" working with children before committing to a full-time career.
What it is: Ongoing, regular care for one family, usually in the family's home. Often includes more domestic responsibilities like school runs, meal prep, and household organisation.
Hours: More structured — typically regular weekly hours agreed with one family.
Pay: Usually negotiated directly with the family. Rates vary but tend to be $20–$35/hr for experienced nannies. You're typically employed directly by the family, which means the family handles PAYE and you have employment protections.
Qualifications required: Not legally required, but most families want references, experience, a police check, and ideally a first aid certificate. Nanny agencies may have additional requirements.
Best for: People who prefer consistency — working with the same family, the same children, on a predictable schedule. Often suits people who like a longer-term relationship with a family and more of a domestic role.
What it is: Working in a licensed early childhood education centre or similar setting. You're an employee of the centre, caring for and educating groups of children (usually 0–5 year olds).
Hours: Regular employment hours, typically Monday to Friday. Set by your employer.
Pay: Covered under the ECE sector pay equity settlement, which has significantly increased pay rates for qualified ECE teachers in recent years. Rates depend on your qualification level.
Qualifications required: Registered ECE teachers need a Level 7 qualification (bachelor's degree or equivalent). Unqualified support staff can work in centres but with different pay rates and under supervision requirements. This is a career path that typically requires formal study.
Best for: People who want a career in early childhood education, with professional development pathways, employment protections, KiwiSaver, and the structure of a regular job.
If you want flexibility and are great with kids but aren't ready to commit to a career path, babysitting is often the best starting point. If you want consistency with one family, nannying might suit you better. If you want a full-time career in early childhood education with formal qualifications and a clear professional pathway, ECE is the direction to go.
Many people start with babysitting and discover that working with children is something they genuinely love — then explore further pathways from there.
Can I do both babysitting and nannying? Yes — many sitters on The Village Co also have nanny roles and use the platform for additional flexible bookings on the side.
Do I need an ECE qualification to babysit? No. Babysitting doesn't require formal ECE qualifications — but having relevant experience or qualifications will make you more bookable.
Is babysitting a good way to get experience before studying ECE? Absolutely. Many people use babysitting as a way to confirm their interest in working with children before committing to a degree programme.