All About Playgroup
Playgroup is a wonderful place to bond and create memories that last a lifetime!
What is a Playgroup?
A playgroup is a group of parents or caregivers with their babies, toddlers and preschool children who get together regularly for play and social interaction.
Read About Playgroup in Your Language:
اَلْعَرَبِيَّةُ (Arabic)
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官話 (Chinese Mandarin)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
What Are the Purpose and
Benefits of Playgroup?
Playgroups bring young children, parents, families and different communities together to learn and develop through informal play activities and social interaction.
Playgroups help parents and caregivers build social and support networks that encourage and assist them in their parenting. They also help families to have fun, relax and to build friendships, some of which last for years after the group has ended.
At playgroup, children develop social and motor skills in a safe and supportive environment. They play with toys, participate in arts and crafts, sing songs, read books together, enjoy the outdoors and much more.
Vital development occurs in the first five years of life, and numerous studies show that play helps this development. The social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth that occurs through playgroup activities and interactions readies children for kinder, school and adulthood.
What Are Common
Playgroup Characteristics?
No two playgroups are the same, but most playgroups share a few typical characteristics.
Most community playgroups are not-for-profit and are run by volunteers (who generally also participate in the group). Some playgroups aim to make money, but Playgroup Victoria does not provide advice or insurance for these small businesses.
Playgroups meet regularly in venues such as:
- Community centres, community halls or neighbourhood houses.
- Schools or early learning centres.
- Libraries.
- Parks.
- Play centres.
- Many other places where members of the community typically meet.
During a playgroup, parents or carers are responsible for their own children. Although there may be organisers, leaders or facilitators present, they are not expected to supervise all children all the time.
Are There Different Kinds of Playgroups?
Some playgroups welcome anybody with a child under school age – they’re known as general or community playgroups.
Other playgroups focus on one element, interest or characteristic common to all participants. They range from dads’ playgroups to grandparents’ playgroups; nature playgroups to music playgroups; rainbow families’ playgroups to first-time-parent playgroups.
There are so many other playgroup types, as well.
Are there playgroups for children with disabilities?
Playgroups are for everyone and are a tremendous platform for supporting families with children with additional needs. Click here to learn more!
Finding a playgroup that’s right for you
Playgroup is not just about the kids – parents and carers, it is for you!
Your job is one of the best in the world, but raising children is not always easy. Playgroup is here to lighten the load. You can connect with other people in the same stage of life as you. At playgroup you can share, have a coffee, relax in a safe environment. Playgroup is designed to be a comfortable space where you can be yourself. It helps to reduce isolation you may feel and discuss things of interest to you. Playgroup also provides you will access to local services you may need.
