October 2011 Playgroup of the Month

Able Hearts Playgroup is October Playgroup of the Month

Able Hearts Playgroup in Keilor East is Playgroup Victoria's Playgroup of the Month. This small playgroup was started a few years ago by Melissa Paterson with two other mothers to bring together parents and their babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children who have special needs. There are now five families in the playgroup and more are welcome.

"We joined Playgroup Victoria to get ideas for play and to network to get more families to join," Melissa said.
 
"In a way our playgroup is more for the parents. Sometimes you can feel a little on the outer in a mainstream playgroup when parents talk about their children's milestones which your child isn't reaching. 

"Our playgroup is easy going. It starts at 9.30am but if someone can't get their child here by then it doesn't matter. If everyone's having a good time it might end at 11.30am. Parents can have a coffee and a chat. There are sensory toys for the kids to play with if they want to. Some parents might do a bit of physio with their children on the mat.

"You can have a little cry and it'll be okay."

Melissa's commitment to the playgroup has led her to complete Playgroup Victoria supported playgroup training, join Moonee Valley Council's playgroup steering committee and source toys appropriate for the group. An application for a Moonee Valley community grant to enable the playgroup to take part in hydrothereapy sessions at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre is in the pipeline.

Playgroup Victoria awards Playgroup of the Month to playgroups that staff members hear about that are doing good work in the community.

CEO Viv Cunningham-Smith presented Able Hearts Playgroup with a Playgroup of the Month award on Tuesday 4 October.