Supporting children and families on their path to success
“So the last couple of months we've learned a lot about Jason.* He's waiting for assessments for ADHD, Autism, he needs glasses,” says Kate,* a participant in the Play2Learn+ program in Hobart, Tasmania. “What I like most about Play2Learn+ is just learning about Jason and what works well with him,” she says.
Tailoring Support to Families
Play2Learn is an Early Childhood Care and Development program which has been helping families in communities experiencing disadvantage across Australia for more than three decades. Play2Learn+ is an adaptation of this service which is specifically designed to connect pre-school aged children and their families with play-based learning in the year before kindergarten. It is unique in its personalised approach.
“There's no other program like it in the community at the moment,” says Terri, the team leader at 54 reasons for Play2Learn+ in Tasmania. “We are able to work with families in their homes, support them in their community settings, and really tailor the program to meet their needs.” From facilitating school transitions to offering in-home support, Play2Learn+ adapts to the diverse requirements of each family.
A Childhood and Family Support Specialist helps a young person at a free Play2Learn+ playgroup,
which helps children learn to play, socialise, establish routine, and prepare for school.
For families and staff in the program, it means no two days are ever quite the same. “For me, a typical day is checking in with members of Play2Learn+,” says Terri. “What support do people need? Where can we support them with linking them in with services? … One family may need support to get to their local school, [another] may really need some support in their home. So offering that tailored support, I think makes the most impact for the families that we work with.”
A Focus on Early Education and Child Rights
Ashley, the Regional Manager for 54 reasons in Tasmania, sheds light on the core purpose of Play2Learn+: “it's all about supporting children to access early education opportunities.” This emphasis on early education is crucial, as it lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development.
Play2Learn+ is built upon a firm commitment to child rights, as the program helps ensure “that no matter what background children are from, they get access to the support they need,” says Ashley. The types of opportunities and resources include linking families with essential services like speech therapy or occupational therapy, making these resources more accessible and less daunting for families.
As part of the Play2Learn+ program, children are provided with play-based learning,
support and food to ensure they have everything they need for a strong start to their education.
Emily,* another parent in the program, speaks to the profound impact this can have. “I've just learned how to speak differently with my children,” she says. The program has provided her with tools like flashcards and signs, aiding her children in overcoming communication barriers. Her dream for her children in the program is “to reach their goals … with their reading and writing … speaking and alphabets and colours.”
The program's success lies in the strength of the relationships built between staff, families, and the community. “Seeing the families feel so comfortable in a space ... that's just really rewarding,” Ashley reflects. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and partnership, crucial in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all involved.
A vision for the future
Kate, who was learning what worked well for her son Jason, reminds us that child rights are a common vision for a better future we can all work towards, “my dream for Jason is just to live a happy, healthy life.”
Play2Learn+ supports families and children through home visits, supported attendance at ‘Launching into Learning’,
and other activities during the 12 months leading up to Kindergarten to help prepare for school.
Through tailored support, a focus on early education, and building strong community relationships, Play2Learn+ and 54 reasons are not just addressing immediate needs but are nurturing the seeds of this brighter future for children and their families.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
Photos: Ashton & Peek / Save the Children.