Families across the State with children under the age of five are being encouraged to find a playgroup in their local area as National Playgroup Week officially launches in Queensland.
The number of playgroups in Queensland has grown by more than 20 per cent in the past two years, with 17,000 families now accessing greater support through play.
More than 500 playgroups are held across Queensland every week, delivered by Brisbane-headquartered not-for-profit Play Matters Australia.
Play Matters Australia’s CEO Penny Creamer said playgroups are proven to help young children and their carers.
“We know 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by the time they turn five. Play develops children’s brains, supports early learning of skills like reading, counting, and singing, and connects children, families, and communities,” Ms Creamer said.
Today also marks the milestone of 20,000 babies now having taken part in Play Matters’ Play Stars program, launched in 2016 for babies under the age of one.
“Play Stars is a Queensland Government-funded program that provides support for families from the moment they welcome a newborn through baby playgroups, events, online support, play hubs, and workshops for new parents.”
Sunshine Coast Playgroups: Baby and Toddler Playgroups and Activities: Sunshine Coast
Playgroups have been delivered across Queensland for more than 50 years, and they play an equally important role in giving carers the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence as a parent.
A Play Matters playgroup attendee said: “Playgroup has helped the wellbeing of our whole family, as well as giving us more ideas around play interactions with our baby. I sing to my baby a lot more and enjoy playing with him,” she said.
Playgroups across Queensland are invited to hold their own National Playgroup Week events to celebrate the fun and importance of play.
Parents and carers can search for a playgroup in their local area by entering their postcode here.
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