Establishing a playgroup
Playgroups are one early childhood education (ECE) option available to children and families in New Zealand. They contribute towards a key government objective of increasing participation in quality early childhood education. The benefit of playgroups is that they can be set up quickly, are flexible and they have fewer regulatory requirements than other ECE services and can respond well to the needs of their community.
Playgroups provide an environment for children and parents to learn together and for parents to support each other. Playgroups meet in different settings throughout New Zealand, but they all have one thing in common – they offer the opportunity for parents or caregivers to give their children valuable educational and social experiences.
Establishing a Certificated Playgroup has been developed to guide parents through the process of establishing a playgroup. It contains information to help you set up a quality playgroup in your community. The Ministry of Education employs staff in its regional offices to work with parents establishing playgroups and assist them to work towards certification. Their particular focus is on the set up, delivery and maintenance of quality early childhood education programmes for children.
Contact your local Ministry of Education office if you are interested in establishing a certificated playgroup and for copies of this publication.
Establishing a certificated puna kōhungahunga (Māori language playgroup)
Establishing a certificated puna kōhungahunga is a guide for whānau who want to set up a puna kōhungahunga. The main aim of a puna kōhungahunga is for whānau to get together and encourage tamariki to learn about the tikanga and reo of tangata whenau of the area, and to provide a learning environment that responds to the interests and learning needs of individual tamariki.Parents and whānau set up their puna kōhungahunga and are involved in running the sessions. Information is provided about what is needed to meet the requirements and standards to become a certificated puna kōhungahunga and to obtain Ministry of Education funding.
Ministry of Education staff are available to work with whānau to set up a puna kōhungahunga and to obtain certification.
Contact your local Ministry of Education office if you are interested in establishing a certificated puna kōhungahunga and for copies of this publication.