From babies up – Playcentre is the place to be
Many first skills are acquired in the safe learning environment of the Playcentre, says its Golden Bay president Laura Manson.
Sixteen learning stations dotted around the Takaka centre invite the children to be inquisitive and to explore the world through self-initiated, self-directed learning. Through play and constant interaction with the many adults, the children become confident learners, begin to develop friendships with other children from an early age and get used to relating to adults.
“A lot of people think that at Playcentre children don’t do learning and can do what they want,” said Laura. “There is some truth in this: they can do what they choose to do, but they are still learning and they become masters at the play that follows on into writing and maths skills. With so many adults here we really nurture their individual interests and add other learning opportunities along the way, and we spread the load.
“The adults can get a break, too. Parents can leave their children once they are settled, at least two-and-a-half years old and potty trained, but I personally choose to stay because I too learn from my child’s experiences. As a parent I can take the learning home to follow it up. I also like to observe how my child interacts with the other children - and I love to chat to other parents.”
Takaka Playcentre is going strong and is well supported by a great group of parents, trained supervisors and their assistants, Laura said. It is a parent-run co-operative, so parents help clean up, attend meetings and study NZQA-approved early childhood education courses. In addition, Playcentre provides a friendly place where parents and caregivers can make new social contacts and form support networks.
To address the importance of networks, especially when a new baby is born (as this can be an isolating time for a new parent), the Playcentre runs SPACE (Supporting Parents Alongside Children’s Education) courses for babies and first-time parents. The programme was developed by the Hutt Playcentre Association to support parents through the first year of their child’s developmental journey.
“On Mondays and Thursdays we get a group of parents with babies of a similar age together. This is directed at parents’ education and we tackle some difficult topics. We also make things for babies, for example something for the baby to look at, or we make a profile book or take baby’s footprints. With our group, from when they first start, the group stays together for three to four terms, and often friendships are formed. It is a very supportive group and the hope is that once the babies graduate they come to Playcentre. By then, they are already familiar with this environment,” Laura said.
Playcentre supervisor Wendy de Maat said: “We are here because we love it. The children are learning to build relationships with people from different backgrounds, other cultures and languages. The children lead the learning and we encourage them. When there is a sense of well-being and belonging, the children will then communicate, contribute and explore.”
Playcentre caters for children aged 0-6 years of age. Places are available on all Monday to Thursday morning sessions. Wednesday’s afternoon session, from 12.15 to 2.45 has spaces available for slightly older children.
Fees per term range from $46 to $72 depending on attendance, and $5 for casuals. Children under 12 months visit free and children from one to two years old are half price. WINZ funding is also available. For more information contact Jane Childs on 525 6056.
There is also a playcentre at Collingwood, adjacent to the Collingwood Area School. That centre can be contacted on 524 8125.
Ina Holst
