Supported Playgroups

Supported playgroups are led by qualified early childhood facilitators and are specifically for parents and carers who are experiencing isolation or need extra support to access a positive, facilitated experience.

At these groups, parents/carers and children enhance their relationship in a supportive environment, increase their skills and confidence, and develop valuable social and family support networks.

As families participating in supported playgroups become more confident as a social group, and we support them to transition to a community playgroup.

Our supported playgroups are funded by the Australian Government under a range of funding schemes.

Examples of supported playgroups

Some particular groups we support in these programs are:

• Families from a range of cultural and language backgrounds, particularly new arrivals or those experiencing social isolation
• Indigenous families
• Families experiencing mental health or disability issues
• Young parent families
• First time mothers
• Fathers
• Families who are socially isolated or experiencing disadvantage.

Play Strong playgroups

Play Strong supported playgroups achieve the core objectives of the program funded by NSW Department of Education through the Early Childhood Education Directorate, to support educational engagement of children too young to receive a preschool education; to support pathways to preschool; and to promote the importance of early childhood education to parents and communities.

Play Strong Educators deliver a curriculum of learning experiences informed by the Early Years Learning Framework and PEEP Learning Together Program, an adult learning program that aims to support parents to develop sensitive and responsive relationships with their babies and young children, and improve the home learning environment.