Making Playgroup Inclusive for All Families
Playgroup Victoria recognises the opportunity that exists in both supported playgroups and community playgroups, to include children of all abilities and backgrounds in the playgroup experience.
Explore what’s on this page – click on a title to learn more!
“Inclusion is not a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our societies; it is about transforming those systems and structures to make it better for everyone.”
Diane Richler, Past-President, Inclusion International
Disability
We welcome you to join our playgroup programs for children with additional needs! Research tells us that children with additional needs fair better in mainstream environments and we have lots of opportunities to become involved. Playgroup Victoria aims to increase access for children with additional needs by supporting and mentoring playgroups to be inclusive. For further assistance and support on adopting inclusive practices in your playgroup.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Families
As an inclusive, community minded and culturally led organisation, we are committed to creating awareness of the value of what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to our life and culture. Playgroup Victoria is committed to forming meaningful, authentic, equal and trusted partnerships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria. We commit to walk hand-in-hand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ensuring the voices of First Nations peoples are respected, valued, heard and influential throughout the work that we do.
Gender Diversity
Playgroup Victoria is committed to creating inclusive and safe services, spaces, programs and resources that all families need to thrive. If your playgroup is looking for resources to help support the inclusion of gender-diverse children, parents or families, please check out our All Come Out to Play project.
Culturally & Linguistically
Diverse (CALD) Families
Australia is one of the most diverse places in the world! We are lucky to have so many different cultures, traditions, histories, stories, knowledge and perspectives that come together to form the communities that we live, work and raise our families in. To help everyone feel welcome and part of playgroup, consider cultural safety: “An environment that is safe for people: where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and experience, of learning, living and working together with dignity and truly listening.” (Williams, 1999)
Looking for more information and support?