Community playgroups are run by the families who attend, and all members are involved in the planning and organisation of activities. Playgroups are unique in that adults attend with their children and are actively involved in each playgroup session.
Most Community Playgroups meet on a weekday, but there are a number of Weekend Playgroups offered throughout Australia for families where one or both parents work. These Playgroups present a great opportunity for either mum or dad (or both) to be involved in the Playgroup together with their child.
While a location that is close to home and easy to get to is usually the first thing that parents consider when looking to join a Playgroup, Community Playgroups are as different as the people in them, and are often formed from a desire to meet local families who have similar interests and experiences. Some examples include:
· Dads Playgroups are great for fathers who are primary caregivers, stay at home dads, or those who just want to be involved in their child’s early learning
· Family Day Care Playgroups bring together care providers registered with the Family Day Care Scheme. These Playgroups offer peer support to Family Day Carers and a variety of social interactions for the children they care for.
· Language or culture based Playgroups are often formed in communities with a large migrant population and can provide opportunities for bilingual children and families to practice their language skills in a social environment.
· Church based Playgroups often grow among families that meet through their local church community.
· School based Playgroups run just like any other Community Playgroup but take place in schools as a way to familiarise both parents and children to the school environment
· Baby Playgroups are specifically for families of children up to the age of one and are often formed out of postnatal Mothers groups. These groups provide invaluable friendship and much needed support to new parents.