The Learning Together Communities mentor program (LTCMP) is an optional program providing support for those delivering playgroups. It aims to enhance the quality of community playgroups and increase the reach of the Learning Together Communities program.

The mentor program includes:

• playgroup facilitator training
• 1 on 1 mentoring and coaching
• access to quality resources
• local Communities of Practice for playgroup facilitators.

Playgroup facilitator training

Facilitator training will be provided for playgroup facilitators who choose to be part of the LTCMP to support the delivery of a high-quality playgroup.

Mentoring and coaching

Mentoring and coaching is provided by Learning Together educators and involves:

• an intensive mentoring program (up to 10 weeks) based on the Playgroups: a facilitator's guide
• 1 on 1 coaching support (up to 6 months) on completion of the intensive mentoring program
• an invitation to join a local Communities of Practice network.

Access to quality resources

Mentors provide playgroup facilitators with LTC resources to support playgroup delivery and the engagement of families in their children’s learning.

This may include the following:

• Playgroups: a facilitator's guide
• Together (booklet, posters and postcards)
• Learning Together - Growing learners developing dispositions (booklet, posters and postcards)
• Building Numeracy Together (mini manual, posters, postcards and have-a-go cards staff login required).

Communities of Practice

Playgroup facilitators who complete the LTCMP intensive mentoring (10 weeks) will be invited to join a local Communities of Practice to share ideas and work through common issues faced in delivering playgroups.

Join the Learning Together Communities mentor program

To join the program or find out more contact:

• Playgroup Services team (via the details on this page)
• A Learning Together Communities hub near you.

Being part of the Learning Together Communities mentor program

When an early childhood service, school or community playgroup joins the Learning Together Communities mentor program they agree to:

• facilitate the attendance and participation of playgroup leaders in the Playgroup facilitator training and Communities of Practice
• use the Playgroups: a facilitator’s guide and Learning Together Communities approach to establish and the run the playgroup.

This involves:

• delivering a minimum of 1 Together message and 1 Together activity for families each week (program template and resources available in Playgroups: a facilitator's guide)
• completion of a weekly reflection sheet with their mentor (provided in Playgroups: a facilitator's guide)
• attendance (where possible) at the playgroup facilitator Communities of Practice, maximum 1 per term
• participation in 2 terms (max 21 weeks) of LTC Mentor support / coaching which may include:
  • weekly, fortnightly, monthly visits or as required
  • electronic email, phone, online, social media support newsletter.