Playgroups, School Readiness and Child Development

What is Playgroup? A Playgroup is a group of parents, grandparents and caregivers who meet together typically once a week with their babies and children for interaction and fun.

What Happens at Playgroup Play Morning tea Activity Music and movement Stories Peer support

All Shapes and Sizes There are family members of PlaygroupWA Playgroups vary from 4 or 5 families to 260+ in the Karratha Community House group. All PlaygroupWA member groups have insurance coverage Some are incorporated Playgroups are not subject to any specific government legislation, quality frameworks or workforce standards

Where to Play Venues range from family homes to, church halls, schools, community centres and for the lucky, dedicated buildings provided by local government. Dedicated facilities encourage larger, incorporated and more sustainable groups Availability varies significantly with some outer areas, in particular having fewer community options. Costs go from peppercorn to hourly rates whilst arrangements also vary for cleaning and maintenance Some playgroups are being forced to leave school venues due to increase in preschool hours Venues also impact on the quality of activities

Participation Rates and AEDI Results ShireNumber of Children 0-4 yrs Census 2006 % 0-4 yrs attending PGWA member playgroups AEDI Domain% of children on track (above the 25 th percentil e % of children developmentall y at risk (between the 10 th and 25 th percentile) % of children developmentall y vulnerable (below the 10 th percentile Vincent148954% Physical health & wellbeing Social competence Emotional maturity Language & cognitive skills Communication skills & general knowledge %Physical health and wellbeing Social competence Emotional maturity Language & cognitive skills Communication skills & general knowledge

Learning Starts at Home The quality of relationship between families, children and their communities are critical factors in positive development Activities that promote learning need to be transferred to the home environment Family relationships with school strongly influence children Dockett and Perry (2007)

Early Development Brain development is driven by nutrition and stimulation through the senses. The brain undergoes more activity in the first three years than any other time. Play is the way babies and children learn about the world around them.

School Readiness Equation Ready Families + Ready Communities + Ready Services + Ready Schools = Children ready for school

Why Is School Readiness Important? Gaps in children’s functioning develop early and are significant by the time children reach school Children enter school with marked differences in the cognitive, non- cognitive and social skills needed for success in the school environment

Communities and School Readiness Good communication between early childhood service providers Community infrastructure- play spaces, playgroups, community centres, early childhood services libraries, family support, health services Social capital- are families with young children active and connected with each other and the available services?

Benefits of Playgroups Promotes improved relationships within and between families in a local area Builds social capital by promoting local involvement and volunteering Promotes social competence and inclusion for children and families Focus on children and parents learning together

Benefits cont Parent child/ interaction is a key determinant of healthy development Playgroups are a sustainable and cost effective addition or alternative to more formal early childhood programs

Playgroup Models ModelTarget groupOutcomes Community playgroups Universal – generally families with children 0-5 years Some groups may form around specific ages, cultures, disability etc. Social networks for families and children Ongoing informal social support Strong sense of community ownership Community capacity building Community playgroups with play leaders/ facilitators in sessions Universal – families with children 0-5 years Some groups may form around specific ages, cultures, disability etc. Social networks for families and children Ongoing informal social support Sense of ownership will vary – Service provision School based facilitated Playgroups Targeted to universalSome of the above Smooth transition to school based learning

Playgroup Models ModelTarget groupOutcomes Supported playgroupsTargeted - e.g. low socioeconomic groups, socially isolated groups, CaLD, ATSI Optimally, transition to a community playgroup; as a group or as individual families Supported playgroups with family support activities. Targeted - high needs groups e.g. families at risk, socially isolated groups, CaLD, ATSI Improved early identification and intervention for high needs / at risk groups Parenting capacity building Facilitated School transition groups 3 and 4 year olds and familyEmphasis on child and family adjustment to school environment Mobile Playgroups visit local parks Generally targeted but may be universal Promotes the importance of play, engages socially isolated families

Local Government Factors to consider What are your local aspirations for children? What does your local community playgroup sector look like? Do policies encourage playgroups? Do you consult with playgroups? How well are agencies connected? How does your community support school readiness? Does your community have the physical and social capital to support children’s development?

What can Playgroup WA do for Local Government? Provide up to date information on playgroup availability and contact details across WA Advise on the development of facilities Mediate issues between playgroups and local government Provide information to support funding applications regarding playgroups Auspice local government grants to unincorporated playgroups Provide advice on the development of playgroup programs that best fit community needs Assist new playgroups to commence

Member Benefits Australian Baby Card- National discount card for families with young children Insurance – this is a comprehensive insurance package designed to cover all playgroup situations. Members’ Hotline – friendly telephone support on all issues concerning playgroups Workshops and Training – free play workshops and training for playgroup committees as well as discounted access to expert workshops

Member benefits (cont…) Playgroup Manual – everything you need to know and more about playgroups Playgroup Raffle – an easy annual way to fund raise Discounts – through our discount provider list Events

Publications Totline – a quarterly magazine with all the latest news from Playgroup WA and around Australia Playgroup WA newsletter – an electronic newsletter filled with administration details and news your group needs to know

Contact Playgroup WA (Inc) 1-3 Woodville Lane North Perth Ph: Web: