PLAYGROUP PROGRAM

1.INTRODUCTION

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation provides a Playgroup program to enhance the early childhood development of children from birth to four years of age living in Pormpuraaw.

2.SCOPE

To provide a quality early childhood developmental program which offers a safe and caring environment in which children can build confidence in their abilities, extend their skills and have fun while learning; and
To establish respectful relationships with children and their families and provide support and assistance.

3.SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Our Playgroup service focuses on providing an early childhood development program for children aged between birth and five years which offers a safe and caring environment in which children can build confidence in their abilities, extend their skills and have fun while learning. Children are offered a range of play-based activities that cover all areas of learning. Our educators are guided by the Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.

The framework emphasises a play-based learning environment, recognising the importance of communication and language, and social and emotional development. It comprises three inter-related elements: Principles, Practice and Outcomes (refer to Long Day Care Learning Environment Model). The developmental needs and interests of the children are at the forefront of our service as we work in partnerships with our families and wider community. Playgroup links in with our Child and Family Support (CAFS) service and Targeting Parenting Program within the Child Care HUB to offer support to children and their families.

4.TARGET GROUP

Young children aged 0-4 years and their families living in Pormpuraaw with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

5.OUTPUT DESCRIPTION

To develop, implement and maintain a quality improvement plan for the child care services.
Facilitate children’s learning using the inter-related elements of the Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia: Principles, Practices and Outcomes:

PRINCIPLES

  • Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
  • Partnerships with families
  • High expectations and equity
  • Respect for diversity
  • Ongoing learning and reflective practice

PRACTICES

  • Holistic approaches
  • Responsiveness to children
  • Learning through play
  • Intentional teaching
  • Learning environments
  • Cultural competence
  • Continuity of learning and transitions
  • Assessment for learning

OUTCOMES

  1. Children have a strong sense of identity
  2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world
  3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
  4. Children are confident and involved learners
  5. Children are effective communicators.

Identify children’s strengths and interests, choose appropriate teaching strategies and design the learning environment around these.

Employ educators who have obtained or are studying an early childhood or education related Certificate III or higher qualification.

Maintain daily records of attendance, referrals, information, advice and support and ensure adequate child to educator ratios are maintained.

Maintain monthly reporting to the Board and six monthly reporting to the Department.

6.OUTPUT ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS

Reports

  • Quarterly Financial Acquittal reports
  • Biannual Periodic Performance Reports
  • Audited Financial Statement

Programs

Cooking with Kids program
Our Cooking with Kids program aims to get children interested in trying healthy foods and gives our families nutritional meal ideas to cook at home. Children learn a variety of cooking skills in a positive environment while their families learn techniques in getting children interested in healthy food.

Healthy Me, Healthy You program
Our Healthy Me, Healthy You program aims to teach children and their families about effective hygiene practices and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Resources are developed with the children and families to be displayed within the centre and for families to take home.

Traditional Indigenous Games
The games aim to provide participants with a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture. The games are sourced from the Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games resource which combines curriculum principles and cultural traditions in sport‐related activities for people of all ages, while ensuring the integrity of traditional games.