Questions you should ask the contact person at your local playgroup.

So - you have the contact details for several playgroups in your area but don't know which one to choose? In order to find the most suitable playgroup for you (as the parent or care giver) and your children, we recommend that you ring/email the contacts for the various groups and ask the following types of questions:

What is the age break up of the children?
Is the playgroup a religious one? (for those in a church venue)
How many families/children regularly attend?
How the playgroup is structured (specific times for specific activities, no routine, inside/outside time)?
What happens for morning/afternoon tea?
How much will it cost each week? (ie. cost to go towards venue hire, craft materials etc - note this is an additional cost to ACT Playgroups' annual membership - see below)
Is there a roster for craft/morning tea etc?
What (if any?) are the specific policies/guidelines for the playgroup? eg. no hat, no play policy.
Does the playgroup go on excursions?
Are there other adults of similar age?
What is the venue like? eg. is there an outdoor area, fencing, baby change area?
Are there any allergies to be aware of?

You are allowed two free visits at your local playgroup and then you need to join the ACT Playgroups Association Inc. Membership is an annual fee that covers insurance while at playgroup or on a playgroup excursion, access to the quarterly Totline magazine, an Australian Baby Card (for discounts at various businesses and services around the ACT and interstate) and other member benefits. Membership expires on the first of the month following the month in which you joined, in one year's time. For example, if you join on the 14th of February 2011, your membership will expire on the 1st of March 2012. For the current membership cost, please check the membership form. You can download a membership form here.

If you don't yet have contact details for groups in your area you can choose one of the following options:

To find group details online click on this region link to find groups meeting in a particular area, or this day link to find groups by the day of the week that they meet.
To talk to us personally, please ring 1800 171 882 during our office hours (Mon - Fri 9.30am - 2.30pm - school terms only).
To receive information by email please send us an email with your name and email address, suburb, age of your child/ren, and days you are available to attend playgroup. Our email address for enquiries is playgroupsact@ixa.net.au