Upcoming programmes

Online self-directed learning 

We have three online, self-directed professional learning courses running.  To participate, please register your interest for one of the coming months.  If a registration link has closed, please try the next month. 

 

Safeguarding Tamariki in Playcentre 

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. 

Expressions of interest for the Safeguarding Tamariki Course  

Course starting 01 March 2024 Registrations 

 

Transition from ECE to Playcentre 

This course is designed for kaiako coming into Playcentre with a Level 4+ ECE certificate, diploma or degree earned elsewhere. It includes information that is specific to Playcentre that kaiako would not have studied previously ie the importance of learning through play within Playcentre, the role of parents and whānau as kaiako educators, Playcentre policy, procedures and practices, key parts of Playcentre history and an introduction to the Playcentre Education programme (so that you can support other whānau in centre.) We look at the similarities between Playcentre and other ECE services, as well as the differences and what these mean for you as a kaiako and rangatira leader within Playcentre. The course has been designed to be done very part-time over 2 months; we are keen to get feedback from trial participants on actual completion times. 

Expressions of interest for the Transition from ECE to Playcentre Course  

Course starting 01 March 2024 – Registration

He Māpuna te Tamaiti: Supporting Social and Emotional Competence in Early Learning 

This six section course is designed to upskill kaiako on the Ministry of Education’s He Māpuna te Tamaiti resource. It builds on the content in PE3 Whanaungatanga – Positive Relationships and we recommend that new learners do PE3 instead. For those that attended B403 or Course 3+, this course will upskill you with the latest strategies for ECE best practice relating to supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and social competence. 

Expressions of interest for the He Māpuna te Tamaiti Course  

Add next groups in 2024 – check back soon

The above courses are all self-directed, online learning via the iQualify platform. They are suitable for both Playcentre volunteers and staff. Employees, please check with your line manager before enrolling to clarify the use of your paid time for participation. 

 

Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) 

Playcentre Aotearoa has a Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) contract that runs until 2025.  

The overall aims of our contract are to:  

  • Imbed the Statement of National Education Learning Priorities (NELP) into practice at all levels of Playcentre Aotearoa (national, regional and local centres)  
  • Support Playcentre whānau to be kaiako on Playcentre sessions, including implementing Te Whāriki and learning through play  
  • Maintain and strengthen a culture of review through internal evaluation  
  • Build pedagogical leadership at all levels of the organisation  

 Our new contract enables us to run professional learning as:  

  • Centre clusters (geographic or with a shared topic)  
  • Leadership programmes for Playcentre volunteers, including general Playcentre leadership, Te Ao Māori and Pasifika  
  • More PLD opportunities for employed Playcentre Aotearoa staff  
  • One off events 

The funding for all Playcentre PLD programmes is covered by the Ministry of Education SELO fund and there is no cost to participate in the learning programmes.  

Contact 

Contact Karina Hart [email protected] if you have any PLD requests for your centre or region.