Playcentre provides parents with often much needed community support and friendship, while children are also experiencing an educative benefit. Parents meet other parents and the playcentre becomes like an extended family.
How Playcentre operates
Each Playcentre operates as a parent co-operative on the ground, while the national office manages funding and finances, admin and policy stuff for all Playcentres.
Parents are asked to contribute be involved in programme sessions.
Playcentres follow school terms and sessions usually run for around two and a half hours. Some centres run longer or all-day sessions.
Parents are expected to attend sessions with their children until they are two and half years old, at which time parents have to attend only when they are rostered on.
Parents are offered opportunities for learning how to support children’s learning. Parents can also choose to undertake formal training courses as part of taking their child to playcentre.
Playcentre emphasises child-led learning and many centres do not follow strict schedules for when morning tea occurs or certain play times.
Term fees/charges are usually donations or very low.
Visit the playcentres in your area with your child – you may be surprised how playcentres reflect their community and the excellent option this provides for children’s early education.
You may also be interested in:
A copy of the My ECE Parents’ Checklist for Choosing a Quality Early Childhood Education and Care Service
