Playgroup provides children with an opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively while also allowing parents and caregivers to build support networks. With 61 supported playgroups located within Catholic schools across the state, SPiCE (Supported Playgroups in Catholic Education) playgroups provide a time and place for over 1,900 children and over 1,600 families from different backgrounds to play, be and belong.
Playgroup allows mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers to meet each week with their babies, toddlers and preschool children. As parents and caregivers, playgroup supports you to make friends and share your experiences with others. You will also be able to learn and role model new skills, and play, learn and engage with your child.
At playgroup, your child will grow their connections, explore, experiment, question and discover an understanding of the world and how they fit into it.
“Playing with balls, digging in the sandpit, building with blocks, making marks with textas and paint and rolling playdough seem to be simple play experiences for children, but these activities actually assist in the development of foundational skills such as curiosity, persistence and confidence” said Emily Bowden, Early Years Consultant, Catholic Education South Australia.
In South Australia, children can attend community playgroups and supported playgroups, such as the SPiCE playgroups. Unlike community playgroups, which are often run by a parent or community volunteer, each SPiCE playgroup is managed by an experienced, trained and dedicated playgroup facilitator employed by Catholic Education SA. SPiCE playgroup managers are supported by Catholic Education SA staff with regular access to professional learning, resources, and collaboration and networking opportunities.
"Supported playgroups work to provide opportunities for children to engage in developmentally appropriate learning experiences that supports their overall development socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively,” said Emily Bowden, Independent Early Years Consultant, Catholic Education SA.
“Brain development research tells us that the first three years in a child's life are of high importance and impacts their overall development. The close environments in which young children spend their time play an enormous and influential role in shaping their overall development and prepares them for a lifetime of learning both in school and beyond.”
Catholic Education SA views playgroups as the very important first step in a child’s educational pathway. SPiCE playgroups are located in Catholic schools and offer one or two sessions per week. The focus of SPiCE is on literacy and numeracy development, and engaging families in their children's learning from birth.
There are currently 61 supported playgroups located within Catholic schools across the state, including two new supported playgroups that opened at the start of 2023. These supported playgroups provide a time and place for over 1,900 children and over 1,600 families to play, be and belong.
To find your closest Catholic school with Playgroup services, please see the School Directory.
Over 1,000 books have been generously donated to Catholic Education SA's ‘Book Swap Box Project’ to help develop your child’s literacy skills and set them up for life.
