Southern South Island Region welcomed Space back to our Otago centres, with the new Mosgiel programme beginning this term.
The session opened with a karakia, mihi and waiata from our regions Te Ao Māori Field Worker, Sacha Harbott. Morning tea was enjoyed by the mums of the new Space group, who were then left to meet their facilitators Cathy Andresen and Philippa Wilson.
Erin Ingram and Grace Loretan, Megan Pelvin and MacKenzie Ayers, Stacey Sleeman and Ryan Jeffery, Radhika Pearson and Elliot Pearson, Anita Banks (Playcentre Space Programme Coordinator Southern Region), Cathy Andresen and Philippa Wilson (Space Facilitators)
Space is generally run over 3 terms, the first term covering topics around becoming a parent, getting to know your baby, and baby’s early development. Term 2 topics explore ideas around brain development, nutrition and movement. Term 3 focuses on areas of play. Space allows parents to make strong connections with other new parents, as each group remains together and meets weekly during the babies’ first year.
It’s exciting to be able to bring the Space programme through Playcentre to Mum’s of new babies in the Dunedin area. Starting babies’ education alongside their parents is a great introduction to Playcentre philosophy and can naturally lead into family involvement in Playcentre once the Space course finishes.
Now that Space has returned to Otago we aim to gradually re-introduce the programme through various Playcentres in the region.
To find out more about Space contact [email protected]