C4C Bendigo Playgroups (playgroups) are supported and facilitated playgroups delivered by Shine Bright.
Each week (during school terms) three playgroups run in different locations across Bendigo for families with young children. Delivered by two Playgroup Facilitators, qualified in Early Childhood. Our playgroups aim to support the development of young children, and build the skills, knowledge and confidence of families, and the capacity of the community where they live.
Playgroups are free to attend.
Where do the playgroups operate?
There are three playgroups operating every week during school terms across Bendigo:
- Eaglehawk (Monday)
- White Hills (Tuesday)
- Kangaroo Flat (Wednesday)
Playgroups operate between 10.00am – 11.30am.
What happens at playgroup?
Our playgroups focus on engagement, play and fun in both indoor and outdoor settings, offering activity ideas that can be easily replicated at home.
Our playgroups:
- Are encompassed in a fun, play based learning environment.
- Focus on supporting parent-child interactions and language and literacy through everyday activities and routines.
- Enhance parent confidence, skills and knowledge as we notice and respond to what families are currently doing well.
- Invite guests to share information and resources.
- Encourage families to contribute to the program. Family’s interests and strengths inform playgroup activities. To effectively engage with families, we create an environment that is non-judgemental, sensitive and culturally supportive.
- Offer safe, secure and stable environments to foster and nurture a sense of belonging and connection for families.
Playgroups have a limit of 8-10 families per group to ensure the voice of each family can be heard.
Our playgroups are a soft entry point to the wider system of child and family services with a focus on supported transitions and warm referrals.
Families will attend our playgroups for a period of approximately six to twelve months. When ready, through warm referrals and supported transitions, they will access mainstream supports such as a community-based playgroup, daycare, kindergarten or school.
Who is eligible
Our playgroups provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all families.
We particularly welcome referrals from agencies and family self-referrals for families, with children aged from 0 – 6 years, facing barriers and who would benefit from attending our playgroups. Children are also welcome to join our playgroup, while attending daycare and/or kindergarten, if needed or able.
We welcome all families from all cultures, and if and where needed can support language through bilingual support services.
How do I make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral. Families can self-refer, or professionals can refer families they are working with.
There are two ways to make a referral:
- Complete the Participation Form by clicking here, or
- Contact the Shine Bright/C4C Supported Playgroup Coordinator, Wendy Irving via email: playgroup@shinebright.org.au or phone: 0447 576 278, Monday to Wednesday.
Further information on Bendigo Communities for Children can be found on:
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