SPACE
The SPACE programme is aimed at first time parents and their babies, and has been designed to support parents through the first year of their child's developmental journey. The programme runs weekly for 3-4 terms (i.e. 30-40 weeks). The sessions are run by facilitators who have knowledge, experience, and training in early childhood care and education.
Infants join the SPACE programme around 0-3 months of age. There may be opportunities for older babies to join in with an existing SPACE or Playcentre session depending on the availability of places.
The SPACE sessions are held at a Playcentre which is a licensed early childhood centre. Playcentres provide a comfortable child friendly environment with age appropriate equipment. The centre is set up to encourage interactions between the parents, babies, and facilitators. Playcentres also prepare children for the types of environment they will encounter in their future years.
Sessions run for 2½ hours and typically include:
- a welcoming and settling in time
- an ice-breaker or sharing time
- a discussion topic or guest speaker
- morning or afternoon tea
- a thought for the session
- music, rhymes, and books
- continued opportunities for play
The discussion topics may include:
- Getting to know you and your baby
- Understanding me (crying & communication)
- How much is enough? (over stimulation)
- The beauty of the brain
- Making resources
- Uniquely you: understanding temperament
- Baby CPR
- Sleeping
- Establishing attachment
- What do I see & What do I hear?
- Natural movement
- Heuristic play
- Music
- Meaningful men
Unit 3 of the SPACE programme provides an introduction to early childhood areas of play, and a short course covering an orientation to Playcentre and other early childhood care and education services.
Parents are provided with handouts on the various discussion topics and areas of play.
The areas of play explored in this unit include:
- Blocks
- Painting
- Collage
- Puzzles
- Messy play
- Books
- Water play
- Playdough
- Sand play
- Encouraging playfulness
- Outdoor play & challenge courses for infants
Local Groups are held at Beachlands Maraetai and Whitford Playcentres. Phone Karen for more information or to enrol - 536-5455.
Beachlands Maraetai Playcentre -18 Bell Road (inside Beachlands School Grounds) Wednesdays 12.45-3.15pm
Current Group at Unit Three
Whitford Playcentre - Whitford Domain (behind the Plunket Rooms)
Fridays 9.30-12pm
Current Group at Unit Two
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