Childcare & Domestic Helper
Childcare Centres
The majority of childcare facilities currently available are run by the government. The list of standalone childcare centres and kindergarten-cum-childcare centres is available here. They provide daycare to children aged from birth to under 3. Some would charge extra fees for extended hours and occasional childcare services.
You may refer to the list below for the nurseries and crèches near the University:
- Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children – Jessie Tam Day Crèche
- Yan Chai Hospital Fong Kong Fai Child Care Centre
- Caritas Nursery School (Kennedy Town)
- Chiu Yang Nursery
- Fairchild Nursery
- Malvern College Nursery Hong Kong
- Yan Chai Hospital Kwok Chi Leung Child Care Centre
- St. James’ Settlement Belcher Child Care Centre
- Evangelical Lutheran Church – Hong Kong, Amazing Grace Nursery School
Playgroups
There are privately-run and non-profit making playgroups in Hong Kong. You may refer to this list of playgroups available for babies and toddlers, or search online for more information.
Domestic Helper
It is common for local families, especially dual-earner parents, to hire a domestic helper taking care of children, elder family members and household chores. The most common forms of services are part-time local workers and full-time foreign domestic helpers, with the latter being the predominant practice adopted by most households in Hong Kong. Here is a comparison between hiring foreign and local domestic helpers.
If you wish to hire a foreign domestic helper, by law the position must be full-time and live-in. You can only hire a local resident if you wish to have part-time services. There are lots of benefits when hiring a full-time helper, especially if you wish them to build a closer relationship with your children and elder members. Foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong are usually from the Philippines and Indonesia. Learn about the regulations, cost and other details regarding the hiring of foreign domestic helpers.
If you wish to hire a part-time or non-live-in helper, local domestic helpers could be the choice for you. Part-time local domestic helpers usually incur a higher cost when compared to foreign ones. It is mandatory for you to buy an insurance plan for your helper, even for a part-time one. Learn about your legal responsibilities and other details when hiring a local domestic helper.
Sourcing
There are thousands of domestic helper agencies operating in Hong Kong. Before you arrive in Hong Kong, you may start sourcing an agency or obtain a quotation for your evaluation using the following online platforms (arranged in alphabetical order). If you have arrived in Hong Kong, it might be more convenient for you to source an agency near to where you live, so it is more accessible if you need any support.
- Fair Employment Agency Limited (full-time domestic helpers)
- Hello Toby (part-time domestic helpers)
- HelperChoice (full-time domestic helpers)
- Lazy (part-time domestic helpers)
- Smart Living (Employees Retraining Board) (part-time domestic helpers)