What Do Children Do At Playcentre?
We understand that tamariki (children) learn best through child-led play. We believe parents (or primary caregivers) are the first and best educators of their tamariki and thus strive to provide an environment that empowers parents to play with, and learn alongside their tamariki. We recognise the value in observing a child's current and changing interests, recognising what learning that child is discovering through this interest, and then responding by providing resources, opportunities and language to build and diversify that child's understanding. Tamariki learn best when they are interested and engaged; Playcentre provides a rich and diverse environment that fosters holistic learning.
Playcentre whānau (families) receive a unique early childhood experience with opportunities to learn together. We offer an NZQA accredited, adult education programme for whānau; nurturing skills that can be applied both in parenting and Early Childhood Education. This includes topics like child development, learning through play, positive guidance strategies, planning and delivering quality early childhood education, facilitation, management and leadership skills. Unique within the early childhood sector, Playcentres are cooperatively managed by parents with support from experienced Association personnel.
Playcentre whānau (families) receive a unique early childhood experience with opportunities to learn together. We offer an NZQA accredited, adult education programme for whānau; nurturing skills that can be applied both in parenting and Early Childhood Education. This includes topics like child development, learning through play, positive guidance strategies, planning and delivering quality early childhood education, facilitation, management and leadership skills. Unique within the early childhood sector, Playcentres are cooperatively managed by parents with support from experienced Association personnel.
How Are Playcentre Sessions Run?
Sessions are run by parents, either as a group (group supervision) or a specified team (team supervision) with or without a Supervisor. The ratio of adults to children ranges from 1:5 to 1:3. Once children are settled and at a certain age, most Playcentres allow them to attend without their parents for one or more sessions a week.
Playcentres are free to set their own charges and these vary throughout the country. Each Playcentre offers three free visits, so come along for a visit and see what we’re all about.
Playcentres are co-operatively managed and supervised by parents. As a co-operative, each whānau has a voice and everyone has a sense of ownership and vested interest in the success of their Playcentre. Group decisions are made by consensus, a process that supports the co-operative nature of Playcentre.
There is an expectation that each whānau takes on a specific role to help run their Playcentre, such as president, treasurer, Health and Safety Officer, Librarian or even Sunshine Officer!
Playcentres receive funding from the Ministry of Education through bulk funding and ongoing training grants, but individual Playcentres will often seek small donations each term and input into fundraising activities to help maintain equipment and cover administration costs.
Most Playcentres have opted into the Government’s 20 Hours Early Childhood Education scheme. More detailed information about how this affects the fees/donations asked for by your Playcentre will be given to you when you enrol your child.
Playcentre acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are working towards providing an environment at Playcentre which reflects the dual heritage (Māori and Pakeha) of Aotearoa New Zealand for our tamariki while recognising the strengths and diversity our multi-cultural society provides.
Playcentres are free to set their own charges and these vary throughout the country. Each Playcentre offers three free visits, so come along for a visit and see what we’re all about.
Playcentres are co-operatively managed and supervised by parents. As a co-operative, each whānau has a voice and everyone has a sense of ownership and vested interest in the success of their Playcentre. Group decisions are made by consensus, a process that supports the co-operative nature of Playcentre.
There is an expectation that each whānau takes on a specific role to help run their Playcentre, such as president, treasurer, Health and Safety Officer, Librarian or even Sunshine Officer!
Playcentres receive funding from the Ministry of Education through bulk funding and ongoing training grants, but individual Playcentres will often seek small donations each term and input into fundraising activities to help maintain equipment and cover administration costs.
Most Playcentres have opted into the Government’s 20 Hours Early Childhood Education scheme. More detailed information about how this affects the fees/donations asked for by your Playcentre will be given to you when you enrol your child.
Playcentre acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are working towards providing an environment at Playcentre which reflects the dual heritage (Māori and Pakeha) of Aotearoa New Zealand for our tamariki while recognising the strengths and diversity our multi-cultural society provides.
What are the benefits of mixed age sessions ?
There are many benefits of having a range of ages of preschool children on each session, and this reflects the tuakana/teina (learner/teacher) concept within the whānau:
- It enables younger mokopuna to learn from older ones, and in turn, gives older ones the opportunity to be leaders and care-givers. The older mokopuna extend the play of younger ones and learn to be tolerant and nurturing.
- Younger mokopuna can experience more complex play than with their same-aged mates.
- Parents can bring all preschoolers of various ages to one session creating a shared experience.
- Adults learn by working with mokopuna who are at different ages and stages than their own.
- Mokopuna can mix with others of similar ability and interests regardless of age.
Tell me more about adult education?
For parents choosing an early childhood option, often one of the most compelling distinctions of Playcentre is the free parent education programme. The reason for running parent education courses are twofold:
Playcentre education is very practical. The adult education courses are facilitated discussions with other Playcentre members. They provide ideas and learning that can be applied at home as well as at Playcentre, and also help new families get to know each other.
For many parents, adult education gives them confidence not only in their parenting abilities, but also in their ability to learn and contribute to their community. Many Playcentre parents go on after Playcentre to study further. Others make huge contributions on school boards, sports clubs, Guides, and at local and central government levels.
- They help us to grow as parents by providing valuable parenting knowledge and skills
- The Ministry of Education requires people with certain levels of training on each session for Playcentres to receive funding.
Playcentre education is very practical. The adult education courses are facilitated discussions with other Playcentre members. They provide ideas and learning that can be applied at home as well as at Playcentre, and also help new families get to know each other.
For many parents, adult education gives them confidence not only in their parenting abilities, but also in their ability to learn and contribute to their community. Many Playcentre parents go on after Playcentre to study further. Others make huge contributions on school boards, sports clubs, Guides, and at local and central government levels.