Playcentre has new woman

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 539, 7 June 1994, Page 6

Playcentre has new woman

By

Michele

Monaghan

Waiouru playcentre has a new supervisor. Judith Surti started at the centre last week. Judith, who has moved from Gisborne, is combating the cold by "wearing lots of clothes". She will be supervising all three sessions run at the centre every week. "It's quite nice having someone older," said Playcentre secretary Ali McLauchlan, "you know how in Waiouru you don't get that grandma, grandpa relationships' Judith isn't the only addition to the playcentre - plans are underway to improve the playcentre' s playground. There is $6000 put aside for the purchase of modular plastic play equipment. The playcentre has also applied for a $3000 grant from the Lotteries Board to go towards the playground. Ali said the playground would provide a bit of variety for Waiouru. "We hope to be able to open it up to the public," she said. The playground still has to be approved by the Central District Playcentre Association. Once approval is received the playground should be finished by the end of winter. "It should be up and running by spring," said centre

president Cindy Collett. The Waiouru playcentre can cater for up to 30 children per session, with around 20 regulars at present. The centre provides a learning environment for children from the age of six months through to six years. There is plenty to keep the children busy - puzzles and blocks, hammers and nails, paints, and a water play area (inside). There is a science corner, collage corner, babies area, and dress up area. The fees per term are $15 for one session a week, two and three sessions a week cost $30 per term. The first three sessions are free. Children over the age of two and a half can be left in the care of the supervisor without the need for the parent to stay. Children under the age of two and a half must have one parent to four children. Two parent helpers are rostered per session and Ali says you can expect one or two duties per term. Sessions run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.00am through until 11.30. The playcentre also provides free education for parents and caregivers interested in becoming qualified in the area of child care. For enquires phone Ali 387 6184, or Cindy 387 6104.