Playcentre believes that our tamariki have the opportunity to reach their full potential when their whanau, parents and caregivers understand their development and take an active part in their learning experiences. The adult education programme enables, supports, and teaches you ways to do this.

The programme is based on experiential learning, which means it is closely related to what you do in a Playcentre session. It is led by experienced Playcentre parents and consists of discussions and workshops with other parents, as well as hands-on experiences in your centre that deepen your knowledge and understanding to enable you to complete some written assignments.

The Playcentre Diploma is a recognised qualification which can be cross-credited into studies offered by other providers.

Playcentre Associations tailor the delivery of their programme to meet the needs of whanau, parents and caregivers within their Playcentre community, by providing learning events in the evening, daytime, or weekend.

• Playcentre philosophy
• Life skills for working alongside others
• Child development and how your child learns
• Why play is so important for your child
• Playcentre's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Running learning events for adults
• Skills and ideas for managing your centre and providing great opportunities for our children including practical experience in working together, co-operation, behaviour management, running sessions, and supporting children's play.

"I found the coursework very rewarding, and the workshops were enjoyable, supportive and informative. The communication workshop really helped me communicate with people a lot better." Claire Roberts, Katikati Playcentre.

"The talks gave me a far deeper understanding of Playcentre, my children and myself as a mother than I could have got by just attending sessions." Gabrielle Martell-Turner, Whangaparaoa Playcentre

"Course three is a great confidence booster. It makes you think differently - outside the square." Stacey Donovan, Whangaparaoa Playcentre

"After completing course three I understood more about how Playcentre functioned and how my own and other children learn and develop. I felt empowered and knowledgeable!" Becky Murray-Nicholls, North Shore Association

"Playcentre's free parent education courses have helped me learn to multi-task, gain self esteem and better understand the needs of my daughter." Chris Parkin, Belmont Playcentre

See your centre education officer to enrol now in the Playcentre Diploma in Early Childhood and Adult Education