Play days a preview of early education choices

Raumanga parents of under-6s can experience early childhood education at two free community play days this month.

Crystal Walding, one of the promotion's co-ordinators, said the Ministry of Education had identified there were over 300 children aged under six in the Raumanga community who were not involved in any early childhood education (ECE) or pre-school learning.

"Our priority is to increase participants for whanau and children in early childhood education," Ms Walding said.

The community play days will be held at Manaia View School and will be "fun, positive, activity-filled, with free food and spot prizes".

They will include stands from a variety of local ECEs including playcentres, daycare centres and kohunga-reo, she said.

"All the ECE providers are going to be doing something different [in terms of activities].

"And it's a chance for parents and whanau to be able to ask these providers questions."

One of the providers at the play day is Te Puawaitanga O Te Whanau, Puna Kohungahunga ki Raumanga, and co-ordinator Katrina Tepania is urging parents to come along.

"We want everyone to feel welcome," she said.

There are prizes to be won for those that pre-register which is preferable. This must be done by tomorrow. Call 0800THEPULSE for more information or to pre-register.

The first free community play day is from 10am to noon on June 17, and the second is from noon to 2pm on June 24, both at Manaia View School. There will also be spot prizes on both days.