New way to play on offer

BENDIGO Community Health Service is expanding its smalltalk program in 2024 to include free weekly playgroup sessions at Heathcote.

The supported playgroup sessions will be held at Holy Rosary Primary School.

smalltalk is a national program developed by the Parenting Research Centre, promoting strategies to enhance learning at home for children from birth to school age.

“Strategies covered in the playgroup sessions include being warm and gentle, and tuning in with children,” said early childhood educator and group facilitator Tiffany Holschier.

“We read together and engage children in interesting and stimulating activities, often using readily available resources.

“Part of my job is to use recycled resources, so parents see they don’t need a lot of toys or equipment to support their child’s learning and development.

“smalltalk is not just a playgroup, the program also helps parents build confidence in their parenting skills.

“We recognise parents are the professionals when it comes to their children, but we are there to support them.”

Ms Holschier said supported playgroups give parents the time to focus on interacting with their child, which does a lot for a child’s learning and development.

“smalltalk also includes ideas on how parents can look after themselves and will help build links with other families in Heathcote, as well as other services.”

smalltalk playgroups are for families who include a parent aged 25 or less, a mother who has not completed high school, single parent families, and families who have less than 10 children’s books in the home.

Ms Holschier said families who face barriers in attending a playgroup may be eligible for smalltalk in-home support.

Enrolments are now open and for information and bookings contact Tiffany Holschier on 0498 642 909 or [email protected].