About SPACE
Download detailed information on the SPACE Programme.
A SPACE session
The SPACE programme is aimed mainly 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 mainly held at a Playcentre, which is a licensed early childhood centre, or at suitable community venues. The centre/venue is set up to encourage interactions between the parents, babies, and facilitators.
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
Story Time
Unit 3 of the SPACE programme provides an introduction to early childhood areas of play, 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