Professional Learning and Development
Overview
The Professional Learning & Development (PLD) Team offers a variety of learning and development opportunities for adults involved in Playcentre – both centre whānau and staff. PLD courses are normally short courses designed to foster your own professional and personal growth as part of your ongoing learning journey as kaiako.
Please note: These are separate from the Playcentre Education courses which contribute to the NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4), which is a nationally recognised, NZQA-approved qualification.
What we offer
Much of our mahi is supported through Ministry of Education SELO contracts, with a focus on implementing Te Whāriki to support learning through play, strengthening internal evaluation, and growing pedagogical leaders, especially within Playcentre, Te Ao Māori, and Pacific strands.
We work directly with centres through cluster programmes that enhance internal evaluation and improve learning outcomes. Regionally delivered programmes also support kaiako and centre leaders in their roles as pedagogical leaders, rotating across different areas to meet local needs.
In addition to core programmes, we offer Ministry-funded support for centres needing help to meet licensing requirements. When funding allows, we also run one-off workshops, short courses, and tailored PLD designed to meet the unique needs of your centre or organisation. Our experienced facilitators are here to support your goals.
To request in-house PLD, contact: Karina Hart – PLD Lead
Upcoming Options Open to Centre Whānau and Staff
We provide both self-directed and webinar-based professional learning opportunities online. To participate, please register your interest for one of the upcoming months. If a registration link has closed, please select an alternative session in a subsequent month.
Choose a time that suits you — all sessions cover the same content.
Safeguarding Tamariki
A refresher course for kaiako holding the Person Responsible role on Playcentre sessions. This course covers Playcentre Aotearoa policies and procedures related to child protection and equips kaiako to create a Playcentre environment that keeps tamariki safe from abuse and neglect, and to be able to identify potential child protection issues and know how to respond if concerned. Approx 2.5 hours learning time. Aimed at kaiako who have completed the L4 certificate/last undertook child protection training more than 2+ years ago.
Online Self-Directed format
Tikanga 101
A self-paced online course providing an introduction to bicultural practice and the importance of upholding tikanga Māori in our everyday interactions at Playcentre. Learn more about the guiding principles and values in Playcentre, mihi whakatau and practice using different types of karakia and waiata relevant to Playcentre. Approximately 4-6 hours of self-directed learning, open to all centre whānau and staff.
Tikanga 102
If you have previously completed Tikanga 101 and are ready to take the next step, this course is for you! The content is currently being finalised and will be ready to roll from mid May.
Transition from ECE to Playcentre
The Transition from ECE to Playcentre course has been developed to help kaiako coming into Playcentre with non-Playcentre ECE qualifications to learn more about the specifics of Playcentre philosophy and practice. It pulls out the Playcentre-specific parts of the adult learning pathway and targets discussion to looking at the similarities and differences between Playcentre and other ECE settings. This course includes five sections:
- Play in Playcentre
- Playcentre’s Bicultural Commitment
- Assessment for Learning at Playcentre
- Playcentre within ECE Licensing and Regulations
- Playcentre – from Past to Present
The learning content has been designed to be in your own time and at your own pace in online platform. Most people complete within 1-2 months at a very part-time pace.
Professional learning & development support
Our Professional Learning and Development team supports Playcentre centres and whānau through tailored learning, workshops, and guidance to strengthen practice and leadership.