Greater Shepparton launches Play Learn Grow for families

Greater Shepparton City Council’s Best Start Program and Greater Shepparton Communities for Children have developed a series of promotional resources based on the learning domains of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC).

Under the banner of ‘Play Learn Grow’, the promotional campaign highlights the important role parents play in a child’s life and the everyday activities that promote and support early development. The key message is that parents and carers are their ‘child’s first and most important teacher’. All resources are easily accessible and free of charge.

The topics include:  

• Physical health and wellbeing 
• Social competencies 
• Emotional maturity 
• Language and cognitive skills (school-based) 
• Communication skills and general knowledge.

Local Educator Kelli Vagg, who leads Tallygaroopna Children’s Centre, said “During early childhood children are growing and learning through experience and interactions that will shape their knowledge of themselves and the world around them.”

“These first interactions are with a child’s family. When children feel comforted, safe and loved they build self-confidence, a strong sense of identity and develop a love for learning. Early literacy, numeracy, health, nutrition and a child’s cultural identity begin to develop and evolve through connections and engagement within the family.”

The videos and posters created are available in six languages including Arabic, Dari, Hindi and Swahili. In addition there are activity sheets available, information on local activities and services, and links to valuable information from websites such as Raising Children Network.

The first domain was initially rolled out in December 2021 and each domain follows within a six – eight week period, all domains will be launched by 27 June 2022.

For more information, please visit the Council website here.