Step 1.
During office hours, call 1800 171 882. This tollfree hotline will connect you to your State or Territory Playgroup Association. Having a chat on the phone with the friendly staff at the playgroup association is the best place to start. They can tell you about playgroups near you, and which ones might suit you and your family.
Alternately, contact playgroup using the online form, or have a look at the websites for the State or Territory Playgroup Associations. Some have handy features allowing you to search for playgroups in your area!
Step 2.
Write down some phone numbers of local playgroups and start calling! Chat with the playgroup contact person or coordinator. Tell them you'd like to join a playgroup. Find out if they are looking for new members at the moment. Ask about ages of the children and what typically happens at their playgroup. Are they structured with organised activities, or is more about free play? Consider what you think will best suit your child/ren.
Step 3.
Go to a playgroup! Check it out, experience it! Your first visit or two to playgroup is usually free*. Before you know it, two hours will have flown by and you'll have a good idea if you and your children would like to go again. Or perhaps you'd like to sample a different local playgroup before deciding.
Step 4.
You've found the playgroup that suits! Great! Talk to the contact person or coordinator about how you can now join up as a member of the playgroup association. There are lots of benefits.
* Playgroup Associations have a 'try before you buy' policy, but some playgroups will appreciate a session contribution towards the costs of running the playgroup - typically about $2-4 per visit to playgroup.