Jane M Fry
RMIT University, School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, Department Member
Research on participation in community playgroups has focussed on the developmental benefits for children. However, that tells only half the story. The other half – and the focus of this report – describes the benefits of participation... more
Research on participation in community playgroups has focussed on the developmental benefits for children. However, that tells only half the story. The other half – and the focus of this report – describes the benefits of participation for parents and carers, and the spillovers or wider social value that this generates. Drawing on interviews with members and coordinators of community playgroups, and data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, this report argues that participation in playgroups strengthens parental peer support and learning, social connectedness, and social and human capital.