Children learn through play, it provides motivation and lays the foundations for improved fine and gross motor skills along with improved creativity, social skills and problem-solving.

Wuchopperen Health Service’s Families as First Teachers (FaFT) program is specifically designed to cultivate a child’s thirst and love of learning.

There’s a strong link between a child play and their learning. The FaFT program embraces and fosters structured play, helping children to discover and learn, building stronger family ties between parents/carers and their children.

This exciting and very innovative program was first introduced into Wuchopperen’s Children and Family Centre’s programs in 2023.

Since its introduction two years ago, the program has seen remarkable results in the families participating.

Patrica Stephens, Wuchopperen’s Early Childhood Educator understands the benefits families can receive from participating in the FaFT program.

“It’s incredible what families can get from participating in this program.

“This program is designed as much for the parents and carers as it is for the children.

“Parents taking the time to sit down with their children in structured play, will build strong family ties, and allow their children to explore, discover and learn,” she stated.

Wuchopperen’s FaFT program runs fortnightly at both their Manoora campus as well as in outreach at White Rock Primary School.

The activities are culturally appropriate and delivered in a relaxed supportive environment, allowing the children to work at their own pace with their parents or carers.

Every parent loves to see their child succeed, and the FaFT program is designed to develop a child’s love of, and thirst for learning.

Participating in our FaFT program lays a strong foundation for later years, when the child enters the formal education system. The program lays many of the foundations required for success at school.

Children have developed strong social skills with their peers as well as adults, are more confident and able to express their thoughts and feelings clearly, and most importantly they have a genuine thirst for learning and acceptance of the role school with play in their future life.