Community playgroups (CPs) are unique in Australia’s early years education and care environment. This project fills knowledge and policy gaps by appraising the social and economic value of CPs.
This research seeks to identify the social and economic value of community playgroups (CPs) by critically appraising
- their unique contribution the landscape of social care and learning
- their adaptive response to changing social and economic trends, such as increasing female workforce participation and the uptake of grandparent and father care
- their role in developing social capital and acting as a catalyst for engagement with other institutional and social settings; and their contribution to the informal or non-market economy.
The research will draw on grounded-theoretical qualitative interviews and analysis of secondary datasets (Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), Playgroup Australia member surveys).
Key People
Project Researchers
- Dr Ian McShane, Senior Research Fellow, CUR
- Dr Kay Cook, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Applied Social Research, RMIT University
- Dr Sarah Sinclair, Research Fellow, School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, RMIT University
Related Content
Research Programs
News & Blog
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
RMIT Centre for Urban Research
124 La Trobe St,
Building 8, Level 10
Melbourne City campus
Phone: +61 3 9925 2272
ABN 49 781 030 034
CRICOS provider number: 00122A
RTO Code: 3046
Open Universities Australia