TypeAgencyParallel NamePlayspace Childcare CooperativeOther NamesPlayspace Childcare Centre IncorporatedDate Range1986-2018DescriptionWellington Playspace Childcare Centre was incorporated on the 8 September 1986. Playspace Childcare Cooperative was a parent run co-op that offered childcare for children of 10 months to 3 years of age.
Originally set up in 1985 by mothers sharing childcare in their homes, rotating monthly around four houses. In 1986 they then rented and converted the St James Church Hall on Adelaide Road into a licenced childcare centre. The parents wanted high quality care for under two-year-olds and for them this meant small group sizes, a high adult to child ratio, highly trained teachers, lots of parent involvement and being involved in their local community.
The core of their philosophy was a spirit of cooperation between parents/whānau, staff and children. Parents took on roles and responsibilities within the centre management and contributed to making decisions about the running of the centre.