Growth Through Community

A history of the Islington Early Childhood Centre

The founding eight members: Denny Boothe, Jocelyn Harris, Pat Lawson, Andrée Lévesque, Judith Medlicott, Edith Mercier, Penny Moore, Diana Strang

Dunedin Collective for Women (DCW)

The DCW as feminists, stated they wanted programmes that would "stimulate our children, broaden their perceptions of stereotypical gender roles, recognise their agency, and encourage positive behaviour and creativity." For that, they decided they needed their own community-based pre-school.

1973 - Glen Leith Cooperative School

In April 1973, the Glen Leith cooperative preschool came into existence because of the work of the DCW members. They set up a house owned by [Professor of Anthropology] Peter [Wilson], and Joan Wilson opposite the start of the Pineapple track in the Leith Valley.

These parents primarily wanted a high-quality early education for their children. Also, many of them were working, and this was in the days before part-time jobs and flexible working hours. Denny Boothe was offered and accepted the role of Preschool Teacher with support from rostered Parents.

1974 - Frame Street Preschool

The Glen Leith preschool had to shift premises in 1974 as Peter and Joan Wilson wanted to live in the Leith Valley house, the one that the pre-school was currently using. The Centre moved to Frame Street, North East Valley, and became known by this name, however, it was officially registered as the Dunedin Incorporated Preschool Association. This was a lengthy process setting up the Incorporated Society.

1976 - Dunedin Community Day Care Centre (now called Pioneers)

"A couple of years later, with a government grant we applied for from the International Women's Year funds (1975), the Dunedin Community Day Care Centre was established.

This initiative was separate from Frame Street Preschool and was led by members of the DCW, alongside childcare experts such as Pat Hubbard, Phyllis Levitt, and Smith (later Professor of Education at the University of Otago). The system trained and supported women to care for two or three children in their own homes, often including their own.

Frame Street Preschool, however, did not consider amalgamating, as far as I was aware, because it continued to meet a distinct need for a quality community preschool, deeply embedded in the North East Valley."

—Denny Boothe

1990 - Islington Street Preschool Incorporated

The name was changed to reflect the street that provided access to the preschool, making it easier for people to find.

1999 - Islington Early Childhood Centre

The most recent name change reflected the Centre's adoption of the Te Whāriki principles, aligning with its commitment to developing an early learning curriculum tailored to the community's unique needs and priorities.