Henderson Valley
Playcentre
Playcentre
Whānau tupu ngātahi - Families growing together
- Henderson Valley Playcentre
- Information for New Playcentre Families
- Information for Existing members
Facebook Philosophy Statement
- The family/ whanau, as the fundamental unit in the community, is to be valued, promoted and supported as the most important setting for the nurture and education of our children.
- Children have the opportunity to reach their full potential when parents/ caregivers/ whanau understand their development and take part in their learning experiences. Parents/ caregivers/ whanau and children learning and growing together is a creative combination.
- An early childhood education service, run co-operatively by member families, provides a positive early childhood education option relevant to the New Zealand setting.
- Parents, with appropriate training and support, can expand their skills and make a positive, 'professional' contribution to quality early childhood education services.
- Quality early childhood education experiences for our children, with the active involvement of parents/ caregivers/ whanau, are an essential and valuable investment in the future of our children.
- The effectiveness of early childhood education programmes and the related learning environment is enhanced when:
- parents/ caregivers/ whanau have choices and are involved in decisions about their children's education
- parents/ caregivers/ whanau are recognised as first and best educators of their children and are encouraged and supported in this role.
- the uniqueness of each parent/ caregivers/ whanau and child is acknowledged. Programmes respond to individual and special needs, including different ethnic groups, and create a positive learning environment for all participants.
- parent/ caregiver/ whanau and child integration is central to the learning experience.
- children involved cover a range of ages, creating benefits of nurturing, role-modelling, social interaction and family atmosphere which mirrors normal human experience.
- Playcentre facilities endeavour to:
- provide a stimulating environment which is physically, emotionally and culturally safe for all who attend.
- reflect the family and community environment in which they operate.
- offer a variety of opportunities for child-initiated play experiences, with emphasis on fun, learning, choice and to enhance parent/ child interaction.
- Training for parents/ caregivers/ whanau aims to strengthen self-esteem, improve parenting and personal skills while empowering parents as first and best educators of their children.