Embedding Gender Equality in the Early Years

ALL come out to Play! is an early years program about gender equality and respect. The program’s aim is to engage families through storytelling and musical play, while also addressing the importance of early awareness and knowledge.

Playgroup Victoria offer professional development training based on this program. Scroll down to learn more and get involved.

Questions? Please contact Nancylee Merzel: nlmerzel@playgroup.org.au or 0411 402 273

Online Training Sessions

Embedding Gender Equality in the Early Years Professional Development Training

An evidence-based, 90-minute professional development session covering why gender equality and respectful relationships matter in the early years, and practical ways to embed them in everyday practice. Participants explore the role language, behaviours and actions play in forming children’s early beliefs about gender and individual preference and are guided through purposeful ways to embed gender equality in day-to-day practice.

book into an upcoming session here

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES

Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Monday, 16 November 2026

All sessions will run via Zoom from 10am to 11:30am

PRICING

$89 (+ GST and booking fees) per attendee

WHO IT’S FOR

Educators and teams working in early years settings
Community playgroup leaders and facilitators
Parents and carers

WHAT PARTICIPANTS GET

A 90-minute online session with time for questions afterwards
Practical tips for embedding gender equality through play
Take-home resources
Hard copy pack with book, posters and worksheets (for the first 200 bookings)

sessions now available! book here

In-Person and Group Training Sessions

Looking to get your whole team trained? We can come to you!

No additional cost for locations within 10 km of Essendon, $0.99/km for additional travel thereafter.

Group training price: Flat rate $700 (+ GST and booking fees may apply. Maximum 50 participants)

For further information about booking a group session, please contact: nlmerzel@playgroup.org.au

“What we know is that research confirms that children start understanding gender during their toddler and preschool years with their parents and carers being the most powerful influences in a child’s life.” 

- Nancylee Merzel, Training Facilitator 

ALL come out to Play! digital book

The story of ALL come out to Play! is now available as an interactive digital book. You can now take ALL come out to play! anywhere and share it with your friends.

View DIGITAL book here

ACOTP With Child With Digital Book On An IPad

About the Project

ALL come out to Play! is a session that helps children learn about respectful relationships and equality. It is delivered with humour, dancing and fun for all! There are songs and games and lots of exciting toys to play with. It is good for people who are still learning English as well. The session encourages girls to be strong and confident and boys to seek help when they need it – it has a message of equality and respect for everyone.

How It All Began

All come out to Play! was originally conceived by Helen Rimington from Drummond Street Services in 2017. 

“Helen had the vision to use music to facilitate engagement and embed messaging about what can be considered a challenging topic, using a storyline, a little comedy and music.”

The songs featured in the program were written and recorded by Amanda Testro and Mick Girasole from Hullaballoo Music For All. The All Come Out To Play program was developed by Helen Rimington (Drummond Street Services) Amanda Testro (Hullaballoo Music for All) and Nancylee Merzel (Playgroup Victoria). Learn more, in conversation with Nancylee: https://www.playgroupblog.org/nancylee-merzel/

Would you like to book a LIVE show?

The fun-filled session runs for approximately 40 minutes and is loads of fun for children and adults. The sessions are very interactive and inclusive, expect participation, participation, participation! Dialogue between the children/presenter/parents/carers is encouraged as different topics and themes arise and are explored. We encourage you to sit with your child and immerse yourself in the session too. The more involved you are, the more your child will engage and enjoy!

To book a live show, please contact:
Amanda Testro
0410 262 830 amanda@hullaballoomusic.com

Access our free activity booklet and ideas sheet!

We understand why gender equality is so important to raising our children. The ALL Come Out To Play! team have heaps of practical ideas that can be used by parents and early years services.

Let the fun begin!

Find heaps of activities and ideas to embed respectful relationships and gender equality into everyday play. Click the button below to read and download our super fun ALL Come Out To Play! activity booklet.

Download Booklet Here

Ideas! Ideas! Ideas!

Use this ideas sheet to extend the practice of embedding gender equality with a cultural lens. We provide tips, play experiences and references for you to use. So many ideas and heaps of fun! Click the button below to read and download the ideas sheet.

Download ideas sheet Here

Resources

Lesson Plans

Download lesson plans for your group that provide activities and extend the conversation around respectful relationships and gender equality. Each of the lesson plans have been linked to the Victorian Curriculum and are suitable for Foundation to Grade 2. These lesson plans can also be used for play based activity within your playgroup.

Download lesson plans here!