Early Learning is Fun Groups
Early Learning is Fun Groups
Berry Street Early Learning is Fun (ELF) Play and Learn Groups are a model of intensive supported playgroup for vulnerable parents with children aged 0-3 years from specific communities where vulnerability is related either to their refugee background status or to their socio-geographic status. Like all playgroups, the ELF Play and Learn Groups are voluntary and offer safe and familiar environments for parents and children to play and learn together with an emphasis on parental participation and child directed learning. ELF Play and Learn Groups integrate with local Early Years and Family Support systems to offer effective early intervention for vulnerable families and to reduce the incidence of notifications to child protection services.
In 2012 the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) was appointed as the evaluator of the ELF Program. This evaluation found that the program was able to successfully:
- engage refugee background and vulnerable parents;
- provide parents with confidence and support in their roles as parents;
- develop service partnerships;
- assist the children participating in the program to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively; and
- support parents and their children to learn new skills and gain confidence that translated to changes in the home environment.
The ELF program was found to be based on the best available evidence. The program was delivered with the flexibility and innovation required to successfully engage and produce positive outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
Read the full evaluation and summary reports.
Early Learning is Fun Practise Series
Berry Street’s ELF groups have developed a range of culturally appropriate early years books. These colourful books offer practise at Reading Level 2.
The collection consists of 10 books, and are available for order.
