Playgroups offer children (aged 0–5) and their families a unique space to play, learn and connect. For over 40 years, playgroups have been a vital part of Australia’s early childhood landscape – helping children develop social, emotional and communication skills, while also providing parents and carers with valuable support and community connections.

Despite these benefits, playgroup participation in Australian has been declining since 2012 – and particularly since the 2020 pandemic. Alongside this, the latest AEDC data shows fewer children are meeting key social, emotional and other developmental milestones.

Encouraging and supporting playgroup participation can be a practical way to support the children and families you work with.

This webinar will explore practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to increase participation in playgroups.

This webinar will give you:

• insight into the benefits of playgroups for children and parents and caregivers and how playgroups can support the children and families you work with
• strategies you can use to encourage playgroup participation
• increased understanding of what makes playgroups inclusive and accessible (e.g. for families with children with disability).

This webinar is intended for any practitioners and professionals who work with children and families, not just playgroup facilitators or specialists. This includes child and family service providers, early childhood educators, social workers, community support workers and health professionals working with families.