Introduction to Programming for Playgroup
This online training introduces Playgroup SA’s Playgroup Program Framework, which provides an evidence-informed approach to planning playgroup sessions. The course explores how to underpin weekly planning with knowledge of child development, play types, and clear links to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Who Introduction to Programming for Playgroup is for
- Playgroup coordinators and facilitators.
- Volunteers and educators supporting playgroup programs.
- Anyone interested in developing skills to design quality playgroup sessions.
What to expect
This course is self-paced and delivered online. It covers:
- The three core planning principles: Play with Purpose, Domains of Development, and Organising for Outcomes.
- Seeing children as competent and capable, and planning accordingly.
- Stages and types of play, and how they inform programming.
- Using the EYLF to guide practice.
- Setting up intentional play spaces, routines, and transitions.
- Documenting observations and evaluating sessions.
Reflection points and assessment tasks are included to reinforce learning and support practical application.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Understand the principles of the Playgroup Program Framework.
- Recognise the stages and types of play and their role in child development.
- Link playgroup activities to the EYLF learning outcomes.
- Plan and implement playgroup sessions that respond to children’s strengths, interests, and needs.
- Evaluate and reflect on programming to ensure ongoing improvement.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for registered playgroup coordinators and enrolled families.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
The First Thousand days
The first thousand days, from conception to two years of age, are a critical period for a child’s brain, body, and emotional development. This course explores why these early years matter so much and how playgroups and families can provide the safe, responsive, and nurturing experiences children need to thrive.
Who The First Thousand days is for
- Playgroup coordinators and facilitators.
- Parents, caregivers, and families with children from pregnancy to age two.
- Anyone wanting to better understand how early experiences shape lifelong health, learning, and wellbeing.
What to expect
In this course you’ll learn about:
- Early brain development and how experiences wire the brain.
- The importance of relationships, attachment, and “serve and return” interactions.
- Developmental milestones in the first and second years.
- How trauma and stress impact young children and strategies to create supportive environments.
- Practical ways to promote positive behaviour, respectful caregiving, and family connectedness in playgroups.
The sessions include videos, readings, and reflection points that help you apply learning to your practice.
Learning outcomes
By completing this training, you will:
- Understand why the first thousand days are critical for child development.
- Recognise how secure attachments and nurturing relationships support growth.
- Identify key developmental milestones and how to observe them.
- Gain strategies to support positive behaviour, create safe learning environments, and strengthen family connections.
- Build confidence in applying trauma-informed and respectful practices in playgroups.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for Registered Playgroup Coordinators and Enrolled Families.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
Baby Playgroup
Facilitating Baby Playgroups is a professional learning course that explores the fundamental components of running a quality, best practice baby playgroup. The course provides coordinators and educators with knowledge and strategies to create welcoming, safe, and stimulating environments that engage babies and support families.
Who Baby Playgroup is for
- Playgroup coordinators running baby-focused groups.
- Early childhood educators working with infants (0–2 years).
- Volunteers or program staff seeking to strengthen their skills in supporting babies and their families.
What to expect
This course covers:
- What makes a baby playgroup unique and developmentally appropriate.
- Building a strong foundation of practice by seeing babies as competent and capable.
- Supporting belonging, secure relationships, and respectful communication with babies.
- Observing and nurturing babies’ natural development.
- Creating stimulating, safe, and age-appropriate play environments.
- Structuring baby playgroup sessions with routines, free play, and group time.
- The role of coordinators in building relationships with families and fostering parenting confidence.
Learning outcomes
By completing this course, participants will:
- Understand how to establish and facilitate playgroup environments that support early development.
- Gain skills to observe and respond to babies’ cues and communication.
- Learn strategies for respectful, responsive interactions that promote belonging and attachment.
- Build confidence in planning and running baby playgroup sessions.
- Strengthen their ability to support parents and caregivers in their parenting journey.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for registered playgroup coordinators and enrolled families.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
PlayForever: Facilitating Intergenerational Playgroups
PlayForever Training is Playgroup SA’s professional development program designed to equip coordinators, facilitators, and community-based staff with the skills and knowledge to design, facilitate, and sustain intergenerational playgroups. The course explores the philosophy of intergenerational learning, its benefits for children and older friends, and provides practical strategies to ensure safe, inclusive, and engaging playgroup experiences.
Who PlayForever: Facilitating Intergenerational Playgroups is for
- Playgroup coordinators and facilitators interested in running intergenerational playgroups.
- Lifestyle and wellbeing staff in aged care, retirement, and community settings.
- Community service providers and volunteers supporting families and older people.
What to expect
Participants will:
- Explore the theory and evidence behind intergenerational play.
- Learn how to set up and run intergenerational playgroups across diverse settings (aged care, retirement villages, community centres).
- Gain practical tools for activity design, risk assessment, and engagement strategies.
- Complete reflective tasks, case studies, and quizzes to apply learning in real-world contexts.
- Access templates, routines, and planning resources to support implementation.
Learning outcomes
By completing the PlayForever Training, participants will:
- Understand the benefits of intergenerational programs for children, families, older friends, and organisations.
- Develop skills in co-designing and facilitating engaging activities.
- Learn to apply safety, health, and wellbeing standards in intergenerational settings.
- Build confidence in creating inclusive, sustainable, and culturally responsive playgroups.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for registered playgroup coordinators and enrolled families.
Contact us / More information
- [email protected]
- Call 1800 171 882 toll free (within SA) or (08) 8344 2722
PlayTogether: Creating inclusive play environments
PlayTogether Training is Playgroup SA’s online professional learning course designed to support coordinators, facilitators, and community staff to make early years activity groups more inclusive. The course explores what inclusion really means, how to talk about disability, and how to adapt environments, routines, and activities so that all children and families feel welcome.
PlayTogether combines theory, practical strategies, and lived experience stories from families to help you confidently create inclusive playgroup spaces.
Who PlayTogether is for
- Playgroup coordinators and facilitators.
- Early years program staff (e.g., kindergym, baby sensory, library programs).
- Community organisations delivering early years activities.
- Volunteers and anyone supporting families with children aged 5.
What to expect
The training is divided into five modules covering:
- What is Inclusion? Understanding equality, equity, and the importance of disability inclusion.
- Talking Disability. How to talk respectfully with families and children about disability and difference.
- Barriers to Inclusion. Attitudinal, environmental, and institutional barriers, and how to remove them.
- Sensory Development. Exploring the seven senses, sensory processing, and practical strategies to support diverse needs.
- Creating Inclusive Environments. Practical adaptations, use of visual supports, welcoming families, and inclusive activity design.
Modules include interactive content, case studies, quizzes, and reflection tasks. The course takes around 2 hours to complete and can be paused and resumed at any time.
Learning outcomes
By completing PlayTogether training, participants will:
- Understand disability, inclusion, and individual needs in early years activity settings.
- Develop confidence in talking about disability with children and families.
- Identify and remove barriers to participation.
- Gain practical tools to adapt activities, environments, and communication.
- Build skills to create welcoming, inclusive, and accessible playgroups.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for Registered Playgroup Coordinators and Enrolled Families.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
Hygiene at Playgroup
Hygiene Training is Playgroup SA’s online professional learning course that equips coordinators, facilitators, and volunteers with the knowledge and skills to keep playgroups safe and healthy. The course introduces infection control principles, explains how germs spread, and provides practical hygiene strategies to reduce illness in playgroup environments.
Who Hygiene at Playgroup is for
- Playgroup coordinators and facilitators.
- Volunteers and parents involved in running playgroups.
- Community organisations hosting playgroups.
What to expect
Through interactive lessons and quizzes, participants will:
- Learn about different types of germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa) and how they spread.
- Understand infection control and hygiene practices as defined by the World Health Organisation.
- Explore the “chain of infection” and how to break it to reduce transmission.
- Gain practical strategies for hand hygiene, glove use, cleaning and sanitising, immunisation, and exclusion of unwell children.
- Access resources such as posters, checklists, and links to guidelines (e.g., Staying Healthy and SA Health).
The course takes around 2 hours to complete and can be paused and resumed at any time.
Learning outcomes
By the end of Hygiene Training, participants will be able to:
- Identify the main types of germs and how infections occur.
- Apply effective handwashing, cleaning, and sanitising routines.
- Implement hygiene practices that protect children, families, and visitors.
- Understand exclusion guidelines and reporting responsibilities for illness.
- Promote safe, healthy, and welcoming playgroup environments.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for registered playgroup coordinators and enrolled families.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
Play Essentials
PlayEssentials introduces the foundations of play and why it is vital for children’s learning and development. The course explores different types of play – structured, unstructured, indoor, outdoor, nature, and loose parts – and shows how each supports children’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
Who PlayEssentials is for
- Playgroup coordinators and volunteers
- Parents and caregivers attending playgroup
- Early years practitioners who want to strengthen their knowledge of play-based learning
What to expect
In this interactive course, you will:
- Explore definitions of play and why it matters for every child.
- Learn how to support play-based learning and the “process vs product” approach.
- Understand open-ended play and how to set up creative environments.
- Discover the role of structured play, especially for children with additional needs.
- Gain strategies for creating safe and engaging indoor and outdoor play spaces.
- Explore nature play, loose parts play, and baby play.
- Reflect on the role of parents and supervision in playgroup settings.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Recognise play as essential to child development and wellbeing.
- Be able to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.
- Understand how to balance structured and unstructured play experiences.
- Support children’s learning through nature, loose parts, and open-ended play.
- Apply practical strategies for supervision and parent involvement at playgroup.
How to enrol
- Complete Training Expression of Interest
- Free for registered playgroup coordinators and enrolled families.
Contact us / More information
Email: [email protected]
