UniSA report highlights the crucial role of playgroup in boosting child development

Freya Lucas

Oct 31, 2024

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Playgroup Australia has welcomed the findings of a recent report from the University of South Australia (UniSA) which highlights the causal impact of playgroup participation on children's improved developmental outcomes.

Titled Causal Inference in the AEDC, the report uses innovative causal inference techniques to assess the real-world effects of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs using observational data, similar to the rigor of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

“This cutting-edge analysis provides compelling evidence that playgroup attendance is as impactful as preschool education in ensuring children start school on track, and reinforces why playgroups are essential in our early childhood landscape,” Playgroup Australia CEO Patricia O'Donovan said.

The report confirms a 40 per cent reduction in developmental vulnerability for children who attend playgroup, with even greater benefits—up to 60 per cent—when playgroup is combined with preschool.

The study also reveals that children who attend both playgroup and preschool are 1.7 times more likely to be developmentally on track across all five Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) domains compared to those who don’t participate in any ECEC programs.

“The University of South Australia’s analysis shows the most significant developmental benefits happen when children are involved in both playgroup and preschool," Ms O'Donovan added.

"The findings strengthen the case for making playgroups accessible to all families, especially in disadvantaged communities, where children stand to benefit the most."

To learn more about how Playgroup benefits early childhood outcomes, read the report on the Playgroup Australia website.

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