Our Educators
This page is for educators and aspiring educators who feel called to work with
Just Like Home in Central Otago and Southland.
Welcome to the family
At Just Like Home, our teachers are at the heart of everything we do.
When you feel empowered, inspired, and truly cared for, you can offer children the very best: nurturing, connection, and a sense of belonging. That’s why so much of what we do is focused on supporting you, ensuring your work is meaningful, rewarding, and balanced with family life.
At Just Like Home, your gifts are recognised, your wellbeing matters, and your voice is valued. You’re part of a community of educators creating peaceful, child‑led days that make a lasting difference for children, families, and the wider community across Otago and Southland.
Because when you thrive, children flourish.
Is Your Heart in
Early Childhood Education?
As a teacher with Just Like Home, we intentionally bring together educators with the best hearts and minds to create magical places and experiences for children.
When you join our family, we are committed to supporting your professional growth while providing you with what you need to operate as your own boss. Even though you work for yourself, regular professional development opportunities, team meetings, and support from your visiting teacher are all part of the package with Just Like Home.
Ko te tamaiti te pūtake o te ao
•
The learning centres on the child and what they bring to the table
What You Gain as a Just Like Home Educator
You set your own hours.
Shape your work around your family and lifestyle.
You set your hourly rate.
As a self-employed educator, you choose a rate that reflects your value.
You will enjoy tax breaks.
Working from home can offer significant IRD tax rebates.
You can be with your child.
Your young children can be part of your care group, so you can work and be present with them.
We value you.
We walk alongside you every step of the way—helping you build a robust, sustainable home-based business.
We connect you with the tools and resources you need, including:
Health & Safety training
Ongoing professional development
Business support and guidance
You’re never left to figure it out alone.
We really are here to help.
We take this part of our role seriously. We connect you with the tools and resources that deepen and enhance your practice — from Health & Safety training to professional development and business support. Whatever you need to grow, we’re here to back you.
We are actively seeking educators and teachers throughout Central Otago, Hāwea, Luggate, Wānaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Southland, and the surrounding communities.
If you live in one of these areas and this work resonates with you, submit an enquiry and we’ll be in touch.
Two Pathways to Joining our Family
Two Pathways to Joining Our Family
At Just Like Home, we offer two options for becoming a home‑based early childhood educator.
ONE: For qualified teachers
If you are already a qualified ECE or primary teacher, your path to working with us is straightforward. With your existing qualifications, we can help you create a new way forward within the early childhood sector. If you choose to work in home‑based care, you’ll be able to keep your teacher registration active as Category Two under the Teaching Council guidelines.
TWO: For those beginning their ECE journey
If you are not yet qualified (minimum ECE Level 4 certificate) but feel called to become a home‑based educator, we will support you to gain your qualification - free of charge. Yes, really. You can begin your career change into early childhood education by completing a 19‑week online Level 4 certificate. This training gives you the foundation you need to build on the qualities and skills you already bring.
Does this call to you?
We are looking for people with kind hearts who love being in the presence of children and learning right alongside them. We believe that being with and supporting children in their early years is a deeply fulfilling calling, and that children deserve nothing less than our full presence and our whole heart.
When you join the JLH team, you’ll find our approach is holistic. We move gently and purposefully, with a shared long‑term goal of ensuring you feel supported and empowered, both professionally and personally.
For the full position description, please email us at childcare@justlikehome.co.nz and we will send you our Educator Pack.
Take your time to work through the details.