Parenting programs, supported playgroups and workshops
Free parenting programs, supported playgroups and workshops for ACT families. Find out what runs, who each one is for, and how to ask about joining.
These programs, playgroups and workshops are free. Some are for parents and carers, and some are for you and your child together.
You do not book these yourself. Talk to a Child and Family Practitioner about what you are looking for, and they will tell you what is running, whether it suits your child’s age, and how to join. You do not need a diagnosis or a referral.
Program dates change, and not everything runs at every centre. Asking is the fastest way to find out what is available near you.
Parenting programs
At a parenting program you will learn ways to support your child’s wellbeing and development. Most run as a group over several weeks. One runs in your home.
Parents as Teachers
A parent educator visits your home once a month. For expectant parents and first-time parents of children under 2 and a half.
You will get practical ideas to help your child develop:
- skills for learning
- curiosity and language
- movement and social skills.
Where: in your home.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Circle of Security
An 8 week group program for parents and carers of children under 8.
You will learn how to:
- build a secure relationship with your child
- recognise, understand and meet your child’s emotional needs
- strengthen your child’s self-esteem and resilience.
Where: Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Bringing Up Great Kids
A group program for parents and carers of children aged 3 to 10.
You will learn how to:
- think about and explain your parenting style and your child’s behaviour
- understand what your child needs and how to communicate with them.
Where: Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Tuning into Kids
A group program for parents and carers of children aged 3 to 10.
You will learn how to:
- teach your child skills for good emotional intelligence
- notice and manage your own emotions
- help your child describe their feelings, manage them and solve problems.
Where: Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Cool Kids and Cool Little Kids
Two versions of the same program, both about helping your child manage anxiety.
- Cool Kids is for parents and children aged 8 to 12, together.
- Cool Little Kids is for parents of children aged 3 to 8.
Where: Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Children's Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing Clinic
The clinic offers individual consultations for parents and carers of children under 8.
You can get information about:
- your child's development and behaviour
- strengthening relationships
- ways to support your child.
Where: Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Supported playgroups for parents and children
At a supported playgroup, you and your child play alongside other families in a safe and supported space. A worker is there the whole time.
A Child and Family Practitioner might suggest a playgroup for you, and you can also ask about one yourself.
Learn, Giggle and Grow
For parents and children from birth to 5.
You and your child will play in a safe and supported space, spend time together, and build your confidence.
Where: Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Atfaal Family Playgroup
For Muslim families with children up to 5. The group helps you build links with the community and find parenting information and services.
Where: Gungahlin Child and Family Centre.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Multicultural playgroup
For families from many cultures with children up to 5. It helps families settle into the community, connects you with support services, and supports your child’s development through play.
Where: Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Groups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
Seven groups run for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, children and young people.
Koori Playgroup
For parents and carers of children from birth to 5.
Where: Tuggeranong and West Belconnen Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Koori Boys and Koori Girls, ‘Yurwang Gulwan’
For children 8 and over, connecting with culture in a culturally safe and supported space. The groups focus on healthy mind, body and spirit, strong connections to culture and Country, growing young people as future leaders, and strengthening relationships between schools, communities and families.
Where: West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre (Koori Girls Only).
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Biri Gunanggu Boys Group
For primary school aged boys, celebrating culture and connection with each other and their community. The group meets weekly and is supported by male mentors.
Where: Gungahlin Child and Family Centre.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Tiddas Girls Group
For primary school aged girls, celebrating culture and connection with each other and their community. The group meets weekly and uses creative activities to build confidence and self-esteem.
Where: Gungahlin Child and Family Centre.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Yurwang Bullarn Strong Women’s Group
For mothers, aunties, grandmothers, cousins and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The group focuses on community connection, art and culture, self-care, health and wellbeing.
Where: West Belconnen Child and Family Centre.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Connected Beginnings Playgroup
For parents and carers with children from birth to 5 years to connect with culture, meet other families and link with local services
Where: Gungahlin and Tuggeranong Child and Family Centres.
How to join: talk to a Child and Family Practitioner.
Workshops and forums
The Child Development Service runs free workshops for parents and carers on child development. You need to have a recommendation from the Child Development Service to participate in their workshops.
Read about workshops at the Child Development Service.
Still unsure? Talk to someone
If you are not sure which of these is right for your child, you do not have to work it out on your own.
Talk to a Child and Family Practitioner about what you have noticed and what you are looking for. They will talk it through with you and help you find something that fits.
Read how to talk to someone about your child's development.