Coordinator of Belmont Toddler Time playgroup, Larissa Taylor (personally interviewed 7th January 2009), says “there are several things a family should look for when joining a playgroup. Firstly, it is important to understand the aim of the playgroup. Is it focused specifically on the children, providing them with socialization and the experience of healthy boundaries? Does it offer the opportunity for parents to build new supportive friendships? There are many different groups out there with different aims, shop around until you find the playgroup that meets your needs.”
Structure, Planning and Size
Playgroups should have a designated leader or at least a body corporate, says Larissa Taylor, to ensure safety guidelines have been put in place and to make certain there is a planned structure to the group meeting. Planned activities may include craft, book time, singing, and free play, as well as a designated snack break. All up, a well planned playgroup will run for approximate 1 ½ hours.
The age range and the number of children in a playgroup is also an important consideration. Most playgroups accept children from six months up to school age. When looking for a group, families should aim to join one which has similar aged children to their own; this saves the more delicate younger children being overrun by the more rambunctious older children.
The size of a playgroup can vary, Belmont’s Toddler Time currently runs 8 sessions per week with about 15 families per session attending. Location of the group can be a significant factor in the number of children a playgroup can accommodate. A semi-formal group held at a parent’s home, for example, may only be able to accommodate small numbers but a formal well run playgroup held at a community hall can take larger numbers.
Benefits from a Parent’s Perspective
Alison Hinchliffe (personally interviewed 7th January 2009) has two children in the Belmont playgroup, Jonty (5 years) and Esther (2 years) she chose to participate “for me. It has given me contact with other parents, I don’t feel so isolated.” Playgroup has provided Alison and her family with several benefits, in particular “social skills for the children, the building of friendships and sanity.”
Selecting a Playgroup
When selecting a playgroup, Belmont Toddler Time coordinator Larissa Taylor, suggests that families contact the prospective group first to see if you can go in for a trial. Most playgroups run "Come and Try" days, this is a great opportunity to see if the playgroup is for you. Find out if there are any set guidelines for the group and ask lots of questions. Some playgroups like Belmont Toddler Time provide families, staff and volunteers with a handbook outlining the aims, expectations and an explanation of how the group is run; if your group offers this make sure you take advantage of it.
