Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Kim Roots

Early Childhood Manager

Bay Boocock

Playgroup Facilitator

The Early Childhood Manager promotes Early Childhood Education through programme delivery and community events and initiatives.

The needs of the sector are determined through networking with organisations and services that work within ECE. We stay connected with licenced centres, kindergartens, Kōhanga Reo, homebased services, playcentre, playgroups, community, whānau, parents and caregivers.

Programmes supported and/or delivered by REAP to date include oral language and literacy, Te Reo, NZ Sign Language, health and wellbeing, nutrition, first aid, child safety, neuroscience, the first 1000 days, brain development and movement, interactive puppet shows and storytelling, transition to school, parenting, cultural activity programmes, music and outside play.

Central Plateau REAP Playgroups

We offer a well-resourced nurturing and safe environment.

Our Kaupapa is Whakawhanaungatanga

Relationships are formed by having a framework which is inclusive for all who attend. Each person is respected and their voices are heard.

Participation, building connectivity and friendships with others, developing bonds that are important for socializing and navigating life’s challenges.

Engagement children/ tamariki develop in the same way and they need the joy of play and companionship to grow into competent, confident learners.

Community building manaakitanga through a child focused Lens. Playgroup provides a welcoming place within the Central Plateau rural communities.

See more information below:

Kaupapa

Whakawhanaungatanga– Strengthening and building strong relationships. Central Plateau REAP playgroup aims to meet the needs of our pre-schoolers holistically. Our Playgroup facilitator, parents/caregivers, and whānau work together to provide a wide variety of play activities and real-life experiences.

Manaakitanga- We create a welcoming and nurturing environment. Which develops a sense of belonging and knowing that everyone is a valued member of the wider community. Our Playgroups offer an opportunity for children and parents to grow with confidence and pride. We facilitate playgroups to enhance education, learning and well-being.

To enquire about our ECE programmes please contact the Early Childhood Education Manager, Kim Roots, at email ece@reapcentralplateau.nz or phone 0278119963

Early Childhood Education PDF

VOLUNTEER STORIES

Nicky

Becoming a Reap playgroup volunteer has been a truly rewarding experience that has brought fulfilment to my life! It means being part of a supportive community that values the importance of early childhood development and parental connection.
Its allowed me to connect with like-minded parents and caregivers, building lasting friendships while being apart of a team that values inclusivity, diversity, and community
This experience has impacted my life by enhancing my understanding of child development and parenting strategies as well as bolstering my self-esteem and sense of purpose.
Overall, being a playgroup volunteer has been a life-enriching experience that has allowed me to grow, learn, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Josie

Kia Ora! my name is Josie. I started at reap playgroup Turangi not long after my family moved there around March/April 2023. not long after I put my hand up to be a volunteer. I was very nervous as the new person and I hadn’t made good friends at that point but I knew I would enjoy volunteering and that I could possibly be of some service as I have a degree in Early Childhood education and still have a huge passion for it. while having my own children I decided to be at stay at home mum. 10 years and still enjoying every day of it. especially now more than ever as I have found a community of woman and children. I have made some good close connections and amazing friendships with many of the people that walk through our doors. Playgroup fills my cup not only as a mum but as an educator and believer in the importance of parents and caregivers getting together to support one another. As playgroup is not only a wonderful place for our tamariki but also the adults. being a parent and caregiver can become so isolating and lonely. but when we come together at playgroup whether happy, sad, anxious or sometimes numb, there is a place that we can go and get support, to lean on someone, to feel connection and be understood without judgment.

This year has been one of my biggest challenges, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I found great support and comfort with playgroup. a place of normalcy for myself and my son Elijah. Where there is always love and kindness. just what we needed. When I was unable to make playgroup, as a volunteer, it was ok. I was supported. When my Husband Kris took Elijah in, he was welcomed happily. We are so grateful and feel very fortunate to be part of the wonderful Playgroup, as I don’t know where I would be without it. it’s an amazing service and really words cannot express how we feel about it. so just a big big thank you to Kim and Bay for all the amazing work that is put into such a useful and much needed group in our community.

Courtney

What has it meant for me being a playgroup volunteer….

I have recently moved from up north and wanted to meet people and have somewhere to go with my baby. I immediately felt welcome when we turned up to Playgroup in November last year, which is a great sign and says a lot about the culture of the leaders and community. I quickly made friends here and my son was very happy with all the people and activities available and toys. I wanted to help to open as I felt this is such a great space for our whanau and kids to meet and support each other through life. This has also given me confidence to start up my No excuse moms group, which is where I run an exercise class for mums and their kids. The playgroup space has meant we could meet during the wet and cold and still keep up with our fitness which helps with our mental health as well during winter months. This space has been invaluable in creating a happy and healthy environment for our young community and I will continue to help.