Welcome to Mangere Bridge Playcentre: early childhood parents preschool sessions


Impressions of parents and caregivers
"I've been at Playcentre for 11 years since my first born was 3 months. We have wonderful resources, great trips and the best view in Auckland! The children and adults make some long lasting friendships. Some of my best nights out have been with Centre friends and it's good to be able to help each other out. You know you're onto a winner when your child asks every night: Is it a Playcentre day tomorrow?".
"I enjoyed taking one grandchild to Playcentre so much that I am now taking two! As a Playcentre ’Nanna’ I have been made welcome and accepted. I joined in with training, meetings and having fun just like the other parents and caregivers and I have to say it does get easier the second time around".		"Playcentre has given my children the practical skills they need as preschoolers. Playcentre has also given me an opportunity to play with the children while learning some practical parenting. As a Dad at Playcentre it's great to be a part of my children's preschool education and part of a community organisation".
"I joined Playcentre as a chance for my energetic daughter to be extended through play & learning. Playcentre has delivered so much more than I first anticipated. Having a large range of activities & equipment gives the opportunity to continually try new things, and to develop new skills. We also value our Playcentre friends, both children & parents, and treasure our experiences. Best of all, we just have heaps of fun!"
"Kia Ora and Hello. I joined Playcentre in 1991. Three children and 9 years later I was emotionally farewelled from the Centre which changed my life. I remember, very early on, thinking I could never be like the women here: so creative, challenging and questioning. Then one day that cycle which is so evident in Playcentre came around to me. I decided to go for it and learn all I could. I now work in an early childhood centre. When I started I saw that we subscribed to all Playcentre publications, use the recipe book, visit the equipment rooms and buy the Journal. Fantastic! The more I move into early childhood education, the more I see Playcentre ways and Playcentre women who are highly valued and hold down many key positions. When I reflect on Playcentre now from the environment in which I work, I value the essence of the children we get to know so well. They are not merely passing through, they are treasured, shared, nurtured, exposed, welcomed into an extended family the likes of which they will never experience again in their learning years."
Complete Early Childhood Experience. º A unique Early Childhood Experience HAVING FUN º From birth to school age; attend together HAVING FUN º Family and children will enjoy Playcentre until school age HAVING FUN º Parents as educators; family involvement HAVING FUN º Child-initiated play, learning through play HAVING FUN º Developing relationships between children and adults HAVING FUN º Making lasting friendships; supportive environment HAVING FUN º High adult to child ration, 1:3 HAVING FUN
Sessions Monday , Wednesday, Friday: 9.15am - 11.45am Rostered set up: 9am Clean-up commences 11.45am Minimum attendance 2 sessions per week Sixteen areas of play available Shared morning teas.		Family contribution $20 per term for 1 child $5 per term for each additional child $10 one-off joining fee Ability to claim rebate (IRD)
Useful links: Auckland Playcentre Association POBox 15-886, New Lynn, Auckland Phone: 09 827-8649; Fax: 09 827-8649 Email: akplaycentre@xtra.co.nz New Zealand Playcentre Federation: http://playcentre.org.nz Mangere Bridge Playcentre Education Review Office report (June 2004): click [here].