|
|
|
Playcentre Media Releases
For further information or to submit a media release please contact the Federation Media Officer,
media@playcentre.org.nz
|
|
|
| Playcentre welcomes promise of inclusion in Free ECE | | 14th Jul 2008 | The New Zealand Playcentre Federation welcomes the announcement that a National-led government would include Playcentre in it's 20 Hours ECE policy, and calls on the government to show similar support for Playcentre.
The National Party policy announcement, released by Anne Tolley and Paula Bennett on Friday, shows welcome recognition of the high quality education which Playcentre provides for over 15,000 children and their families each year in its nearly 500 early childhood centres nationwide.
“It's great that the National Party is recognising the importance of parents as first teachers” said Playcentre Federation President Marion Pilkington.
“Having parents and children actively learning together produces a quality environment that research has shown has very positive outcomes – both for the children, the parent and the community. Playcentre welcomes the National Party's show of confidence in Playcentre's professionalism and our NZQA approved parent training courses.”
Playcentre operates centres across the country, but is particularly represented in rural areas where it is often an important community hub for families with young children. The inclusion of Playcentre in the Free ECE policy will also greatly benefit these rural areas where commercial ECE is unviable.
“We hope that the Labour Party with also reconsider its standpoint on funding Playcentre,” said Marion Pilkington.
Playcentre operates 488 early childhood education centres around the country for children aged from birth to school entry. Playcentres are run as parent cooperatives, where groups of parents collectively supervise and teach the children attending in half-day sessions. Parents are offered free NZQA recognised training in child development, positive discipline, communication, and management skills.
ENDS.
Contact for Media: Maureen Woodhams, NZ Playcentre Federation Media Officer. 027 4041223, 04 9345244 maureen@paradise.net.nz. |
|
| View news for: |
Search for news: |
| OR |
| |
| alternatively view national
news, or all
news. |
|
|
|
