Aboriginal Playgroup Programs

Playgroup WA is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy to facilitate supported playgroups for Aboriginal families in various communities broadly aimed at supporting families to give children a good start in life through improved early childhood development, care, education and school readiness.  The playgroups sit within the Department’s Children and Schooling Programme and incorporate the following project objectives: 

  • Increased participation in early childhood development activities 
  • Enhanced school readiness and families better engaged with school 
  • Families will be better able and more confident in supporting children’s development 
  • Employment and training opportunities for local people.   

Under this program playgroup sessions are currently operating in communities in the Wheatbelt, Albany, Laverton and in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.  Wherever possible Playgroup WA endeavours to employ Aboriginal staff from the local community within the playgroups and works with families to link them with other relevant services and programs within the community including early intervention services and activities.   

Professional Development and Training for Aboriginal Playgroups

Playgroup WA offers training to Aboriginal organisations and their staff working or interested in playgroups in their communities.  This training is provided on a fee for service basis and can be tailored to meet a range of interests and needs with programs able to incorporate theory as well as practical hands-on learning activities for participants depending on needs.   

Aboriginal Play and Learning Network

Image 10As a key agency supporting the WA Aboriginal Play and Learning Network, Playgroup WA also provides support for staff including Aboriginal staff who work with Aboriginal families and children under five.