Following the success of our recent pilot with Edith Cowan University - where early brain and emotional development workshops were made available to playgroup members - we are very pleased to announce funding from the Department for Communities to make the workshops and resources more broadly available.

The funding will deliver another series of the popular early brain and emotional development workshops to members in both metropolitan and regional centres - as well as our supported playgroups.

"We will also release a dvd and booklet showcasing the workshops' content towards the end of the year for all playgroups to access," said Playgroup WA's Chief Executive Officer Debbie Terelinck.

"This will ensure information about early brain and emotional development is freely available to all playgroup members including those in rural locations."

Workshop details:

When: 22 and 29 July 2008 (participants must attend both workshops)

Where: Playgroup WA's Community Room, 1-3 Woodville Lane, North Perth

Time: 6pm to 8pm

RSVP: Places are limited, please email us to register your interest.

As we head into the sneezey season - do remember it's probably best to stay home from playgroup if your little one is unwell.

While your playgroup should set down its own guidelines about attending playgroup with a 'sick' child – it is  your responsibility to assess your child and make the decision to attend or not.

If your child presents with a ‘runny’ nose, a cough, a sore throat or any one of the many communicable diseases such as foot and mouth - it's best to give playgroup a miss.

While you run the risk of disappointing your child, it's surely preferable to unleashing the germs on other children and their families!

If in doubt contact your GP or invite your local Child Health Clinic Nurse to address your group about the dangers of spreading coughs, colds and other diseases at playgroup.

Lastly, to keep playgroup 'germ-free' why not organise a winter blitz by cleaning and disinfecting your playgroups toys!

What is SMART STEPS? The Smart Steps program is an education initiative of the Road Aware Parents project. 

It provides useful strategies to primary stakeholders and community service providers such as playgroups, early learning centres, child care centres and any organisation involved with children age 0 to 4 years who deliver road safety education and support to parents, carers and children aged 0 to 4 years.

What is the aim of SMART STEPS? The Smart Steps program aims to enhance road safety attitudes and skills amongst parents, carers and children aged 0 to 4 years.

What will the target group learn from SMART STEPS? Three big road safety risk factors for children addressed in the Smart Steps program are:

• Passenger safety
• Pedestrian safety   
• Play safety

If you or someone at your playgroup is interested in attending the SMART STEPS TRAIN THE FACILITATOR WORKSHOP, please contact Rosemary Power on 9622 0200 or email for your Expression of Interest application by Friday July 18.

Workshop details:

Venue: McIvor House-Conference Room

Time: 8.30am – 2.30pm

Date: Wednesday July 23

SDERA pays all costs incurred by not for profit and volunteer organisations, and all workshop costs, including refreshments and lunch for all participants. SDERA pays where applicable all relief, travel and accommodation.

Get your preferred colouring tools ready to enter our massive Silly Billies' colouring-in giveaway!

We're not looking for 'the best' colouring - we just want you to have some fun and then send us your artwork. We'll then randomly select five entries to each win a fabulous Silly Billies DVD pack.

Images are available from http://www.sillybillies.com.au (from the menu click on “downloads”).

There are three images to download under the “Colour In Images” banner - Cosmo the Cool Puppy, Ophelia the Fairy or Wally Learns to Juggle.

Then send your colouring to: Silly Billies Colouring Giveaway, Playgroup WA, PO Box 61, North Perth 6906 by 4pm Friday August 1 - don't forget to include your name, age, contact phone number and Playgroup WA membership number*.

Happy colouring!!

* Only winners will be contacted.

EXCLUSIVE TO THE PLAYROOM
New playmobil Range due 9^th July.

15% OFF PLAYMOBIL
JULY ONLY

WA’s premier destination store for playmobil is proud to announce the latest arrival and widest selection of playmobil stock in Australia.

TPR specialises in Little Tikes, STEP2, LEGO, Thomas the Tank, TOMY and has huge range of educational toys, games and puzzles!! We also have an excellent range of dollhouses, castles and tons of fun outdoor toys & games to keep your child entertained during the school holidays.

For further information please email info@theplayroom.com.au or phone Liz on 08 9242 2003. Our location is 40 Frobisher Street, Osborne Park.

We're currently fine tuning our online training service (to be launched on our website next month).

First up will be two online workshops:

• A Guide to Successful Playgroups, and
• Let's Play - The value and benefits of play.

These online resources will help us to share relevant information and ideas with our regional members and our metro groups.

Email us if you would like to trial one of our online workshops and watch this space for launch details!

Calling all playgroups - get your raffle orders in before it's too late!

Raffle books will be sent to participating playgroups mid-July with a 29 July start date.

If you need help with the form please call our Hotline on 1800 171 882.

Please be aware that our annual family membership fee remains $27 for the year. (Playgroups may also charge a fee to cover their own administration costs.)

Membership runs from February 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009 and new members can join at any time!