Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us. 

Why do people work as relievers?

People relieve for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons are:

• For variety of work, not having to work in the same place week after week.
• To have some control over the hours and days that they want to work.
• To try out a new career if they are looking for a change in direction.
• To find out if early childhood is the career for them before committing to study.
• It also allows them to try out different workplaces before they commit to a permanent position.

We provide centres with staff in the following areas: Waikato (including but not limited to Ohaupo, Tauwhare, Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, Kawhia, Morrinsville and Matamata), Central North Island, Bay of Plenty (including but not limited to Tauranga, Rotorua and Taupo), and Taranaki. Travel allowance may be paid in some instances when travel is deemed excessive. From time to time we do provide relievers outside of these areas but only with express consent of the reliever.

What will I be doing?

The role of a reliever in an Early Childcare Centre varies depending on the experience and qualification of the reliever, and the policies and procedures of the centre. Duties can include supervision of children’s activities, preparation of food, cleaning and generally helping out within the Centre

When will I be working?

The more hours that you are available the more work you can be offered. Centres are open between 6:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday. A typical shift would be eight hours; however they can be as short as three hours and as long as ten hours.

How long will I be working?

Shifts are generally between three hours and nine hours long per day and can be from one day only to being an on-going assignment.

When will I know what hours I will be working?

We try to give you as much notice as possible. As you gain more experience you are likely to be requested by Centres in which case you could be booked up to two weeks in advance, possibly more. Forward bookings are more common with qualified teachers. Many calls however are short notice - often the morning of the day you are needed. Calls for same day work (often asap), sometimes continue up until late morning, occasionally into the early afternoon. We try to keep short notice to a minimum but it is inevitable that some work will be short notice as that is the nature of relieving.

How much work is there?

The amount of work that is available depends on many things out of your control in the sector - but is also very dependent on you!!! If you have a can do, will do attitude and get on with people you will be requested by the centres. The more requests you get the more work that you get offered.

How much will I be paid?

The big question!!! This depends on what is happening in the sector, also your experience, qualifications and the demand for your services. If centres are asking for you regularly we certainly take it into account when reviewing pay rates (-:

Why do we do what we do?

We provide this service for two reasons:

• To provide a service to the Early Childhood sector and to make it easy for Centres to fill those difficult moments. Our aim is to make a relief staff member only one phone call away.
• To make it easier for relievers to get more regular work.