Early Childhood Programs
In these groups parents participate in their child’s learning through play and also have the opportunity to get to know other participants in similar situations to their own, and form mutually supportive relationships. The supportive environment encourages interaction and relationship building. In some sessions, invited visitors from other local services (child health nurse, oral health practitioner, librarian, etc) participate and provide information to parents and carers through the mutual play experience.
One of the biggest activities is Play and Learn which attracts a diverse mix of participating families and nurture a sense of inclusiveness. Responsive to community needs, Play and Learn groups can be adapted to respond to specific concerns and may be run in partnership with other organisations or schools.
The building of local social networks assists parents with babies and young children to feel more valued and supported in their parenting role.
Activities
Play & Learn
Play and Learn is a free universal program open to all families with children up to five years of age. It operates as a regular group for children, facilitated by professional staff, with a focus on providing high quality, age appropriate ...
- Families tell us that Play and Learn makes parenting easier, helps them make new friends, and that their children get to do new things and meet other children.
Intensive Family Support
Programs that provide professional support and parenting intervention to families with complex needs over an extended period of time.
- Support needs may relate to understanding and managing a child’s behaviour and emotional responses, establishing child and parent routines, adjusting to a new baby.
Volunteer Home Visiting
A service for parents of young children, where the family is partnered with a trained and locally supervised volunteer, who is usually a parent themselves.
- The support provided in this program can help with stress by providing someone who will walk along beside you as you face the challenges and joys of parenting.
Ryde Community Hub
A 'one stop shop' for activities in a variety of locations across Ryde Local Government Area for families with children 0-5.
- To obtain information, support and advice on parenting young children. Referrals to local services can be provided if requested.
Young Parent’s Playgroup
A supported learning environment for children with teenage or young parents.
- Young parents have the opportunity to engage in developmentally appropriate play activities with their children and to meet other parents of their age in a supportive environment.
Transition to School
Help children have a great start to school.
- Children have the opportunity to engage in a developmental appropriate pre-school program facilitated by two qualified Early Childhood educators.
Dream Time Kids (Indigenous Play & Learn)
Dreamtime Kids is a free program open to indigenous families with children up to 5 years of age. It operates as a regular group for children with high quality, age appropriate experiences.
- Parents will have an increased understanding of the process for transition from play group to preschool and how playgroups can support their child’s early learning and development.
Social Skills Development with Indigenous Children
This program helps establish a strong foundation by building value of education and personal goals
- Promote the importance of education and goals with Indigenous children
- Support for families
Intensive supported playgroups
Fun, age appropriate activities for children in Katherine area Town Camps.
- Improve the early learning, safety and well being of the communities' children
- Build parent/carer knowledge
- Strengthen child/parent relationships
Moe Heights Literacy
Help children have a great start to school.
- prepare children for school
- introduce parents to activities children can do at home to prepare for school