The Peaceful babies and parents playgroup in Wollongong

These playgroups follow the protocols of RIE Parent-Infant Guidance Classes. The children are grouped based on mobility level is so that I can arrange the space in a developmentally appropriate way, and to support socialisation with peers at a similar developmental stage.

The reason age isn't used as a determining factor is because each child's development occurs on their own timeline. We minimise talking about ages in the class to reduce competition and to remind us that development is not a race. We respect and honour what your baby can do right now.

The ages are given as very rough and approximate guidelines. Grouping by motor development is not a precise process, though so if you feel that your child would align more with a different cohort that's okay. Development is unique so if you are unsure, please reach out and I can help you decide.

Babies are born knowing how to play. They have an intrinsic desire to explore and learn. By sitting back and noticing what our children chose to do, we are learning to trust them, their capacities, their efforts, and their unique developmental timeline. 

When a child is on their back, they have more freedom of movement and the greatest range of movement possible.

In some situations, a child has become accustomed to being placed in a different position and then comes to expect that (i.e. they are used to being seated but can’t yet get there on their own). If this is the situation you’re in, let’s talk about it! Being respectful to babies means allowing for freedom of movement, but it also means responding to their bids for communication and if they have grown to expect being placed in a position, we can talk about how to be responsive to that — all families and developmental timelines are different.

Each session is 90 minutes long, and each “cohort” is between 4 and 10 weeks.

Providing the classes in a cohort model helps babies (and adults) build trust in each other and the space, paving the way for more complex play and social interaction. Children learn to feel safe in their environment when they know what to expect and who they are going to be with. They look for each other when they arrive and begin to feel a sense of trust as they learn to navigate and development relationships with one another through this regular time together.

The cohort model means that families sign up for a full term of classes.

To connect with our babies and each other through observation and warm conversation.

To build a supportive community of families.

To learn about child development and care, and ask questions in a judgement free space.

Please bring all items for the care and wellbeing of your child (nappies, bottle, water, etc).

Bring water for yourself.

No hot drinks in the room please.

There are toilets and a parents room within the Community Centre.

Clothes that allow your baby to move freely and easily. For example, a stretchy onesie and bare feet.

Adults will be seated on the floor, so please wear something that you will be comfortable in.

Corrimal District Library & Community Centre is just off the Princes Highway, opposite Stockland Corrimal.

Several busses stop a short walk away, or it is a 20 minute walk from Corrimal Train Station.

If you are coming by car, there is a large free carpark next to the Community Centre.

When you enter through the main entrance, turn left and go down the hall to the end. The last door is for the Lillypilly Room. If you're not sure you are welcome to ask the people at the office in the foyer.

During the playgroup, adults are asked to please switch your phone off or to do not disturb mode and then keep your phone in your bag or out of sight. If you wear a smart watch, please also adjust the settings to do not disturb or silent.

I request that you do this to limit distractions (for adults and babies) during the time we spend together and so we can be present and focus our attention on the babies.

With this focus in mind, and with respect for varying parents' wishes, please refrain from taking lots of photos during class. You are welcome to take one or two as long as there are no other children in the photo.

Not at all. There is no expectation of any background knowledge.

A (very) brief summary is RIE is a non-profit organisation based in California, USA. Magda Gerber founded RIE with Thomas Forrest, M.D. in 1978. The Educaring Approach (also referred to as Magda Gerber's Educaring Approach) is what the RIE organisation teaches. Magda created the term 'educaring' as a combination of education and care because, as she stated "we should educate while we care and care while we educate."

If you are interested in learning more about RIE, Magda or the Educaring Approach, please take a look at RIE's website.

Sometimes it takes humans a minute (sometimes several weeks) to become comfortable in a new space. If your child wants to be with you, allow them to be with you, trusting that they will venture out (or be ready to be put down) whenever they are ready.

Respond to them, but please don’t feel like you need to rush to quiet them. In fact, I'd prefer for you to go slow. This is a safe place to practice tuning into what you think your child is actually trying to tell you and responding accordingly.

In the Young Infant cohort sometimes the babies will be asleep for parts of the playgroup. This is welcome and we encourage you to be responsive to your baby and their cues during the class.

Remember that these playgroups are just as much for the adults as they are for the babies, and the younger infants group will have a focus on connecting as parents.

If your baby is in an older cohort and is getting restless and tired while in the class, please be responsive to their needs. If you need to leave early to allow them to sleep at home, please do.

Due to the relationship focus of the classes there is no option for joining on a casual or drop in basis. I have intentionally started with a short cohort length of four weeks for families to get a taster without a significant commitment.

Providing classes in a cohort model supports relationships. As your baby becomes familiar with the predictable rhythm of the playgroup and the others in the group, they build trust. This sense of security encourages them to explore their surroundings and engage with the others. Over time, this setup nurtures a sense of community among families, contributing to a supportive atmosphere for shared growth and learning.