Rebekah Marcetic, the co-ordinator at Howick Playcentre and a parent educator, says they are looking forward to Playcentre Open Week which runs from March 6-10.
Playcentres across the country are inviting families with children aged 0-6 years to visit during open week.
“While Playcentre is a nationwide charity, with more than 400 centres across the country, each local Playcentre is made up of individual tamariki and whānau who play, learn and grow together to create their own Playcentre community,” says Playcentre Aotearoa chief executive David Moger.
Playcentre is an Early Childhood Education (ECE) provider with a difference; it is parents and whānau who care for the children attending.
“Each local Playcentre provides a place for tamariki to socialise and learn through play, while parents meet other families and become part of a supportive, fun and friendly environment where community and social connections flourish,” says Moger.
Playcentre also offers parenting support, including connection with other parents to share joys and challenges with, to a free NZQA-approved education programme to develop parenting skills and understand how children learn and develop.
“Playcentre is a great way to get to know people in a new area. They provide awesome play experiences and some great parent education, so you learn alongside your child,” says Playcentre parent Sarah.
During Playcentre Open Week families are invited along for a free visit and experience Playcentre for themselves. You can find a local Playcentre at www.playcentre.org.nz.
Marcetic says, “We’re really excited to welcome caregivers, whether they are parents or grandparents, and their babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers into our centre to come and see what we are all about.
“We believe learning happens best when children are following their interests and are engaged in child-led play, so every session is different.
“You can pretty much guarantee some messy play though. But that’s okay because it’s here and not at your place.
“Caregivers stay and play at Playcentre, so it’s a special place for adults to connect and share experiences too. I find a lot of people don’t know what Playcentre is, or don’t have the full picture, so open week is perfect for dipping your toes in.
“We are so fortunate to have a number of vibrant Playcentres in our area, all offering exciting experiences for visitors, from Bucklands Beach Ohui-a-rangi, Cockle Bay, Howick and Pakuranga-rahihi, and Whitford.”
