Evaluating playgroups : an examination of issues and options

In this epoch of evidence-based practice, there is growing need to demonstrate the effectiveness of community support systems that benefit from government funding, like playgroups. In Australia, there are three playgroup types that attract government support; namely, Community Playgroups, Supported Playgroups and Intensive Support Playgroups. The purpose of this paper is to identify issues that influence playgroup evaluation as well as appropriate evaluation options. Issues include the need to minimise the burden of data collection for volunteers and participants, problems of attribution without a control group, and the need for different research methods for the different playgroup types. Appropriate evaluation options include those that utilise existing data, those that minimise the need for additional resources, and those that demonstrate the outcomes associated with playgroup participation. These have the capacity to substantiate the potential value of playgroups and their contribution to community development and capacity building.