Back to top

Primary Teachers in Playcentre

Playcentre Aotearoa requires primary teachers to complete the Playcentre Primary Teacher Bridging Award as an induction to being Person Responsible in Playcentre.  We acknowledge the wealth of skills and experience primary teachers bring to Playcentre while also recognising that Playcentre is a different learning environment than the primary sector, with a different curriculum and regulations.

Primary teachers must hold the Playcentre Primary Teacher Bridging Award to be recognised as Person Responsible. 

The bridging award includes three modules of Playcentre Education’s delivery of the NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4):

  • PE1 Ūkaipōtanga – Let’s Play
  • PL3 Manaakitanga – Enriching Children’s Learning*
  • PL4 Kaitiakitanga – Playcentre and the Regulations

 

* From 2022 – 2025, the Primary Teacher Bridging Award included PE1, PL2 and PL4. From 2026, the PL2 Pūkengatanga – Theory Guides Practice module will be replaced with PL3 Manaakitanga – Enriching Children’s Learning. Any teachers who have started PL2 prior to the end of 2025 will be awarded the bridging award by completing PE1, PL2 and PL4 if they complete PL2 prior to the start of Term 2 2026 (20 April 2026).

Other relevant information:

  • Primary teachers get PE2, PE3, PE4 and PL1 credited. This means that as soon as PE1 is completed, primary teachers are awarded the Playcentre Educator Award (PEA).
  • PE1 is completed first. Learners can then complete PL3 & PL4 in either order or at the same time.
  • PL3 and PL4 are available as self-directed online learning only, with groups starting 1st of every month Feb – Dec.
  • Primary teachers holding Course 3 do not need to complete the bridging award.
  • For queries, please contact an Education Team Student Support Coordinator.

Getting Started

To start the bridging award, sign up for a PE1 Ūkaipōtanga – Let’s Play module in a format and time that suits you.  Many teachers prefer the online format.  When you sign up for PE1, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to an online enrolment form.  Please complete the form, including completion of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form, and attach a copy of your teaching qualification.  Most qualifications state “primary” on them however if yours does not, we will also need a copy of your transcript.   

Check out PE1 options starting soon here: Upcoming Workshops and Online Modules | Playcentre.org.nz 

If you have any queries, please contact Kara Daly [email protected]