How playgroups support and develop family and school relationships
Engaging with families to develop positive and respectful relationships is considered as a high priority in early childhood education. Programs that involve families, educators, and support professionals working in partnership, have potential to incorporate smooth transitions into the compulsory years of school.
The project is investigating a supported playgroup currently operating in an urban Western Australian school. This playgroup operates in a low socio-economic context targeting families with children aged birth to three years. The playgroup offers opportunities for families to socialise in a supportive environment with provision for educational opportunities. The project will also provide an opportunity to investigate the importance of developing relationships between families, community and the school and if this impacts on the increasing attendance and retention to the school’s enrolment.