Parent-Child Mother Goose
Introducing the pleasure of rhythms, songs and stories to adults and children
Books for Babies
Each baby born in Bendigo gets a FREE book and literacy information.
In recognition that children’s language development is everybody’s business, the Books for Babies program was established in Bendigo in 2015.
Thank you to the following organisations for their continued support Empowering Eaglehawk, Strathfieldsaye & Districts and Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprises.
Book Box Library Program
Increase access to books for children in the Bendigo community
Book Box Libraries are like ‘Little Libraries’. They can be placed in community spaces, businesses, primary schools, early childhood services, health services and retail and shopping centres. A Book Box Library is a free children’s book exchange. The aim is to promote literacy and the love of reading for children in the community.
Children can read and take home a book, swap and return books. All for free. ‘Read or borrow a book. Donate or swap a book.’
Find a Book Box Library near you!
Off To An Early Start (OTAES)
Delivered in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo
Off to An Early Start (OTAES) program:
- Supports parents and carers with children to attend playgroup, pre-school, early years programs or primary school
- Help families to navigate playgroup, preschool and primary school enrolment procedures.
- Provide information and/or referrals to family and community support services.
HIPPY
Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters
The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY):
- Fun, activity-based one on one program aimed at children in the year before starting school
- Home-based early learning and parenting program for families with young children
- Focuses on supporting parents to be their child’s first teacher
For more information visit the HIPPY website below:
Speaking Spot
Free Speech Pathology drop-in clinic for children under school age
A speech pathology drop-in clinic is a place where families can come to discuss their child’s speech and language concerns without having a referral or a pre-arranged appointment. The service is available for children aged birth to school entry.
No appointment is necessary and a 20-30 minute timeslot will be allocated to you on arrival. A brief discussion of your concerns regarding your child’s language development will occur, with some suggestions provided to assist your child’s communication.