The Belconnen District Area could soon see a decline in the number of developmentally vulnerable children, thanks to a new project from the University of Canberra’s Health Research Institute (UC-HRI).
The Good Start in Life project has used the Australian Early Development Census data to identify Belconnen suburbs experiencing worsening trends in developmental vulnerability, and aims to combat these trends through a series of interventions.
UC-HRI Director and project Chief Investigator Professor Rachel Davey explained one of the key interventions were the project’s daily Loose Parts Play playgroups.
“Our daily playgroups are attended by occupational therapists, speech pathologists, nutrition students, and our family liaison coordinator. These playgroups encourage child-led play, and connect families with services for their child’s developmental needs,” she said.
“We encourage all local families to come along to the playgroups, and provide them with the opportunity to discuss their concerns with health professionals, and access early intervention services where needed.”
The project, funded by a Medical Research Futures Fund grant, aims to provide early childhood educators with allied health programs and support, and improve integration between early childhood education services, family support services, and health services within the district.
Palmerston resident Liliana has been attending the playgroups with her daughter Abby since they began in February, and said they had both been enjoying them.
“The first time we came we didn’t know what to expect and I had only heard of loose parts play once before,” she said.
“Abby was a bit reserved at the beginning but now she moves around the playgroup by herself. I think it helps with creativity and using those things we might have otherwise thrown out at home.”
The playgroups are held each day between 9:30am and 11:30am, at the locations listed below;
Monday: John Knight Memorial Park, Belconnen
Tuesday: Charnwood Place, Charnwood (behind the supermarket)
Wednesday: John Knight Memorial Park, Belconnen
Thursday: Aranda sportsground, Aranda
Friday: Charnwood Place