Supported Playgroups

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Supported Playgroups are a free program for families across Victoria with children from birth to school age. They are voluntary to join for families wanting some extra support.

A qualified facilitator leads these fun sessions where parents develop their skills and confidence to support their child’s wellbeing and development.  

At supported playgroups parents and children enjoy a range of fun play activities together. Parents also find out about local services and support networks in the community. Eligibility criteria applies. 

 

 

Supported Playgroups details

Council Supported Playgroups meet regularly as listed below:

Day/Time

Playgroup name

Venue

Monday
10.00am-12:00pm

Angliss Supported Playgroup

 Angliss Senior Citizens Centre
24 Vipont Street
Footscray
(view map)

Tuesday
9.30-11.30am

Maidstone Supported Playgroup

 Maidstone Child and Family Centre
23 Burns St
Maidstone
(view map)

Tuesday
1.45-3.45pm

Braybrook Supported Playgroup

 Braybrook Early Learning Centre
107-139 Churchill Avenue
Braybrook
(view map)

Wednesday
9.30-11.30am

 Maribyrnong Supported Playgroup

Maribyrnong Community Centre
9 Randall Street
Maribyrnong
(view map)
Thursday
10.00am-12.00pm		 Footscray Supported Playgroup Footscray Primary School
100 Geelong Rd
Footscray
(view map)

 

Eligibility criteria

To be able to join a supported playgroup one of the following must apply to a family member in the household: 

  • has a Commonwealth Health Care Card (from Centrelink)  

  • has a Pension Card 

  • has a Humanitarian visa 

  • identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 

  • looking after children in kinship care arrangements (out of home care) 

  • referred from Child FIRST or Child Protection 

  • referred from or receiving Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services 

Smalltalk program

Facilitators of Supported Playgroups deliver the Smalltalk program to all participating families.  

Smalltalk helps parents: 

  • Learn some great tips to enhance your child's early learning 

  • Find out about early childhood programs available in your area 

  • Meet and connect with other parents 

  • Discover play experiences for children

Parents are also encouraged to look after their own health and wellbeing by developing positive social support networks and seeking professional help if they are stressed or feel they are not coping.

In-Home Support 
Some families are also eligible for In-Home Support which involves a qualified facilitator visiting a family in their own home. Parents participating in in-home support may also attend a Smalltalk supported playgroup. 

During these home-based sessions, a facilitator provides individual coaching on using the smalltalk strategies with their child/children. Visits are usually fortnightly for approximately one and a half (1.5) hours.

The primary target group for In-Home Support is families who are eligible to attend Supported Playgroups and have at least one of the following characteristics:

  • parent aged 25 years or less
  • mother has not completed high school
  • single parent family
  • ten or less children’s books in the home
  • referred to a Supported Playgroup but unable to attend for either personal or social reasons.

Join a supported playgroup?

To register your interest in joining a supported playgroup, please complete the form below and a staff member will contact you:

Register your interest here

For more information or to discuss your eligibility for a supported playgroup please call us on 9688 0150 or email supportedplaygroup@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

 

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