Early Years Whānau Centre

Christchurch Early Years Whānau Centre (EYWC)

Our Early Years Whānau Centre (EYWC) playgroups are located at our Christchurch Sumner campus and Prebbleton. Deaf and hard of hearing preschoolers and their preschool siblings can be enrolled, children of Deaf adults may also be enrolled. Parents/whānau are expected to attend sessions with their child and are encouraged to work in partnership with centre staff in all areas of their child's development.

Teachers support families to practice effective techniques and strategies for developing their child's communication skills.

The centre provides group sessions as well as individual parent-child communication sessions.

The EYWC staff work closely with the Advisor of Deaf Children (AoDC), Cochlear Implant Habilitationists and First Signs Facilitators and other specialists services to provide a collaborative service for families.

The Centre's programme allows time for families to form relationships, support each other and identify the resources they need to meet specific needs and concerns. Parents/whanāu are given the opportunity to attend 'parent group time' during their weekly sessions. Parent group times usually include an opportunity to learn NZSL.