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 embedding the National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP), 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
Whānau Teams Role Professional Learning & Development
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.
Starting Mid-May – Email your interest to [email protected]
Staff Professional Learning & Development
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.
Facilitating your First Workshop
Basic facilitation skills for starting out. Sessions are available from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Monday 15 June
Next Step Facilitation
Now that you have a few workshops under your belt, take your facilitation to the next level. Sessions are available from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Friday 5 June
Facilitating Webinars via Teams
Learn the tips and tricks to facilitate webinars via Teams. This includes the technical how-to’s as well as strategies for facilitating effectively online. Sessions are available from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
Unpacking Kia Tākaro – Play & Learning
Explore this PIA workshop outline and resources in-depth so you feel confident to deliver it. Sessions are available from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Wednesday 10 June
Unpacking Whakamana – Empowering Children
Explore this PIA workshop outline and resources in-depth so you feel confident to deliver it. Sessions are available from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm.
Monday 8 June
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.
Starting Mid-May – Email your interest to [email protected]
Curriculum Focused PLD for Staff
Unpacking Te Whāriki
Whāriki through the lens of a Session Facilitator or Centre Advisor. How we can share the curriculum’s richness with parents and whānau in Playcentre in a way that is enjoyable and digestible. Self-directed online learning starting 1 May. Approx 5 hours. Optional online drop-in support sessions.
Exploring Play
A practical, reflection rich online professional learning series for Playcentre staff to inspire you and build your confidence in facilitating Learning Through Play workshops. You can take part through self-directed learning or join an online series—attend for all sessions or just those that suit you—with an optional online drop-in support session available.
Drop-In Curriculum Support
If you have questions or would like support from your regional PLD Facilitator, you can drop-in to get support at these regular times. (Feel free to contact them to set up another time if these times don’t suit you).
UNI Drop-In Sessions – Karen Thomas
CNI Drop-In Sessions – Karina Hart
LNI Drop-In Sessions – Liz Neill
USI Drop-In Sessions – Chrissie Sundstrum
LSI Drop-In Sessions – Sarah Hjertquist:
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.