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Supported playgroups make for smoother parenting journeys

Program that supports parenting, and also provides families and children the opportunities to learn and grow through play.

By news@gippsland - 26th May 2021 - Back to News

Parenting can be a challenging time and that’s why the team at Latrobe City Council is here to help. Council runs Supported Playgroups that give families and children opportunities to learn and grow through play while being supported by an early years professional.

Playgroups support parent-child quality interaction, helping parents in the important stages in the child's development

Increasing the quality of interactions

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said, "These playgroups will help parents increase the quality of interactions with their children and encourage play in the home. Parents can come along and be connected with like-minded parents and local services. They will also learn ways of caring for themselves during what can be a challenging time, with tips for stress management and supportive services."

Helping child motor development

Supported Playgroups are open to families with children aged under five years, and are held at Churchill, Traralgon, Yinnar South, Yallourn North, Morwell and Moe. There are dedicated sessions in Traralgon, Morwell and Moe for parents with children aged up to 18 months. These free sessions are perfect to focus on tummy time and crawling spaces development.

Enhancing the child’s cognitive development

Each playgroup operates for two hours per week, for 10 weeks (the length of school terms). The playgroups included the 10-week parenting program, smalltalk, which is about using everyday opportunities to enhance a child’s learning and development. This includes the way they talk, listen and play with their children, read together, and how they engage them in interesting and stimulating activities.

Relaxed and fun environment

Smalltalk also includes ideas about how parents can care for themselves, while building links with their community and local services. In-home support can also be incorporated into sessions and entails one-one-one support from a qualified facilitator who will come to your home for 1.5 hours.

Latrobe City Supported Playgroups has partnered with Latrobe Youth Space to connect parents who are under 25 years of age with other families. This free supported playgroup provides families and children opportunities to learn and play with the support of an early years professional in a relaxed and fun environment.

To learn more or book online, visit the parenting journey. Alternatively, you can email parentingsupport@latrobe.vic.gov.au or call 1300 367 700 and speak to a friendly playgroup facilitator.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com