Parent-led services
Parent-led services are where parents and family or caregivers educate and care for their children. As a parent or whānau member, attending a parent/whānau-led ECE service can have positive effects on parenting.
These types of service recognise the importance of parent training and involvement. Families/whānau have the opportunity to learn more about parenting as well as develop social and community networks and build greater confidence.
Playcentres and kōhanga reo are two types of licensed, parent-led services. Playgroups are a type of certificated, parent-led ECE service.
Kōhanga reo
Ngā Kōhanga Reo cater for children from birth to school age in a Māori language and tikanga Māori environment. Parents and whānau manage and operate the kōhanga reo, with the support and guidance of the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.
Playcentres
Playcentres are collectively supervised and managed by parents for children from birth to school age. They have strong focus on parent education as well as children’s learning. Playcentres are supported by Playcentre Associations around the country.
Playgroups
Playgroups are run by parents and cater for groups of children from birth to school age and their parents. Typically they meet for one to five sessions each week to provide play, social and learning opportunities for children. Playgroups can be certificated and may be less formal than other kinds of ECE services.
Pasifika playgroups focus on developing and maintaining Pasifika languages and cultures.
Puna kō hungahunga are playgroups that are run with a Māori language and tikanga Māori focus (although some learning may be in both English and Māori).