Okato

Okato Playcentre offers a rich learning environment for children aged 0-6 years. Our centre is run co-operatively by parents, caregivers and whanau who attend sessions with their children and provide them with quality learning experiences through play.

Our Playcentre is a place where children are nurtured holistically and given opportunities to learn, grow, develop and explore. We have strong links with our community, including local schools and groups. Our centre has a commitment to biculturalism and we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Okato Playcentre encourages parents and caregivers to further their knowledge of early childhood education through the Playcentre Adult Education Programme. This programme enables adult members to work towards a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification at no cost to them.

Our Playcentre aims to be your second family, providing support and friendship throughout your parenting journey. Our recently purchased building is located on spacious grounds in the heart of the Okato village. We are looking to further develop our indoor and outdoor spaces, so if you are creative, enthusiastic, and passionate about your child’s learning, then join us to be part of this exciting project!

Visitors and new members are welcome at any session. Come along and join the fun!

At Playcentre, early childhood education is a shared journey. We value parents as the first and best educators for their tamariki, which is why parents attend alongside their tamariki – to play, learn and grow together.

Whether you have a new pēpī, preschooler, or are new to a community, Playcentre provides a place for whānau and communities to come together.

If you care for tamariki aged 0-6, we invite you to visit and experience our affordable, unique, and child-led environment. Our centres encourage learning through free play and nurture imagination, confidence, and connection.

Some Playcentres also offer more specialised sessions where there is a real focus on the needs of newborns to 1 year olds, as well as the support and friendship of other new parents. Find out more about our Infant Programmes.

Our licensed early learning centres follow the Ministry of Education’s world-leading bicultural curriculum, Te Whāriki, offering 16 different areas of play set up to cater for different interests, skills, ages and abilities.

We also provide a free, NZQA-approved, adult education programme for enrolled whānau to add practical strategies and skills to your parenting toolbox.

We offer three visits before you enrol. Arrange a visit today and experience our supportive, fun and friendly community for yourself!