Playgroup NSW

Playgroup NSW leads play-based programs and services for NSW families with children birth to school age, offering development, shared experiences, and family support, that results in active citizens and inclusive communities.

The PlayStrong playgroups are for children ages 0-5 who are looking to become involved in an early education service but unable to provide an inclusive and diverse program that encourages families from all walks of life to engage in early education and learning to give all children the best start to their learning journeys.

The objectives of the program include:

• to support educational engagement of children too young to receive a preschool education;
• to support pathways to preschool;
• to promote the importance of early childhood education to parents and communities

The role

Each PlayStrong group is different and caters to the unique needs of each community, however there are elements of each group that are consistent:

• Setting up activities and creating a welcoming environment
  Upon arrival to group, you may be asked to help with setting up activities prior to the family’s arrival at group. PlayStrong operates under the EYLF curriculum, so each area is set up to target learning outcomes for children.

• Free play at learning stations
  You may be asked to engage with and interact with families during this time. Be friendly, polite and courteous. Introduce yourself and have fun!

• Craft/Creative time
  Each session craft materials are provided that allow children to explore and create artworks that they are welcome to take home! You may be asked to support or assist the children/families in completing the craft activity

• Circle/Song/Story time
  This is the most structured part of group and encourage all children and their parents to participate! This portion of the group is where the group facilitators will sing songs, read stories and provide further early learning opportunities to families.

• Clean up/Farewell
  At the completion of the group, you may be asked to assist the group facilitators in cleaning the toys and putting them away. Toys all need to be wiped down and disinfected before being put back neatly into storerooms.

• Other tasks
  Miscellaneous cleaning and organising tasks (sanitising toys, organising storerooms etc), supporting facilitators in running circle.