Robinvale Early Years Network
In order to attract funding required for this valuable work within the community the Robinvale Early Years Network (REYN) was formed to provide a more strategic platform for the community. RDHS and the Robinvale Community needed to have a coordinated plan defining where the community is heading in relation to improving the outcomes for children and families.
The REYN provides a platform to bring together service providers and members of the Robinvale community who work with families with children aged 0-12 years. The REYN advocates for the Robinvale Early Years Community, both within and beyond the region, to lead and promote a local emphasis on family support and engagement. The REYN also operates as an information conduit to members, promoting the importance of experiences and exposures in a child’s early years for their full and rich development in all aspects including education, health and well being.
Monthly meetings are held the last Thursday of the month 3.30pm – 5.00pm at RDHS Conference Centre. All are welcome to attend.
Research has identified a number of population level reasons why all communities need to change the way they are doing things for children and families:
- There have been major international and local social and economic changes
- Families and family circumstances have changed
- Service delivery is struggling to meet the needs of children and families
- Children are experiencing worsening developmental outcomes
- We know more about factors affecting child development and family functioning
- There is evidence that tells us that early intervention is cost effective and has results
Research also suggests that this change should take the form of;
- More supportive communities
- Better coordinated services
- Better communication between communities and services
The early year’s sector in Robinvale is comprehensive and dynamic and on a regular basis the program interacts with over 100 children and supports over 50 families. Programs include;
HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) Australia
The HIPPY Program is a free, two year home based, early learning program for families with children attending four-year-old Pre-School, continuing into their first year of School. HIPPY children work through weekly packs the first year and fortnightly packs the second year, of play-based, educational activities that promote a love of learning, in turn enabling the child’s School readiness.
HIPPY aims to encourage & empower parents and carers to be their child’s first educator. A HIPPY Tutor will be assigned to the parent or carer of the enrolled child, delivering the HIPPY packs and working through them via method of “Role Play”. All packs are inclusive of craft supplies, materials and readers needed to undertake activities in the designated pack.
As well as home visits, a fundamental component to the program is Group Meetings. The objective of Group Meetings is that it gives parents and carers the opportunity to meet fellow HIPPY families and also exposure to the wider HIPPY community.
For any enquires contact Amanda at Hippy Robinvale on 03 50 51 8245, Mobile 0457 421 542 or email ahealy@rdhs.com.au
Jump and Jive
Our Friday playgroup offers something different to the families of Robinvale and surrounding areas. This playgroup is a very active group with the children encouraged to climb, jump, crawl, balance, rock, swing, hop, slide and go over, under and through.
Come along and have some FUN using some great equipment to assist in your child’s confidence and skill development. Singing, dancing and story time is also experienced in each session.
Jump and Jive is held each Friday at the Robinvale Leisure Centre from 10:00am.
Jump and Jive will help your child/ children:
- have fun
- play with and among other children
- participate in new play experiences
- respond to other adults
- make local friends
- learn simple rules and routines
- learn more about their world
- increase their social and communication skills
Community Playgroup
Community playgroups runs Wednesday’s during school terms and is a supported playgroup.
All children and families are welcomed and it is free to attend.
Community Playgroups are held at “THE HALL, 13 Watkin Street Robinvale from 10:00 am.
Poly Play
Poly Play runs Thursday’s during school terms and is a supported playgroup
All children and families are welcomed and it is free to attend.
Poly Play is held at “THE HALL, 13 Watkin Street Robinvale from 10:00am.
Out of School Hours Program (After School Care)
The program is held at the The Hall 13 Watkin Street. The program offers the families on our community after school care. The program is opened to all primary school aged children within the Robinvale and Euston District and offers a fun and educational environment for the children. The program gives piece of mind to parents/ caregivers who are required to work during these times. The After School Program is run from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm Monday to Friday within school terms.
Children are collected from;
Robinvale P-12
St Mary’s School &
Euston Public School
For enrollment forms and more information please contact the Primary Health Care Centre on 03 5051 8160
Robinvale Vacation Program
The Vacation program is open to all Primary School aged children, 5-12 years and is run during the Victorian School Holiday periods.
Many activities are available such as: cooking, day excursions, sculpturing, kite making etc.
The program takes place at The Hall from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday.
For enrollment forms and more information contact the Primary Health Care Centre on 50 518 160.
Mobile Visiting Play Program (MVPP)
The Mobile Visiting Play Program (MVPP) is an individualised program to support families who are;
- geographically or socially isolated,
- culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD),
- Indigenous,
- have a child with a disability,
- know to child protection,
- living with a mental illness,
- young parents and / or lack access to transport.
The MVPP works with children and their parents / guardians to enhance their community connections while at the same time teaching parents about their role as the child’s first and most important educator.
We know that the Early Years Program in Robinvale is making a positive difference to our community.
Keep up to date with activities and whats happening at our playgroups by connecting with RDHS Early Years on Facebook.
