Through the program, carers gain skills and confidence to help them during their children’s crucial early years, while children benefit from early experiences with language and communication. The PCMG Program is particularly beneficial for families experiencing isolation or disadvantage, families with developmental concerns for their child, and families with English as a second language.  

Thanks to the generosity of Uncle Bobs Club, who have been supporting the Good Friday Appeal since 1942, the PCMG Program is made available to the community through The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Early Childhood Intervention Service. It has now been running for over 20 years.

In 2024, Uncle Bobs Club helped support the RCH Early Childhood Intervention Service to develop an online program called Tuning into Kids, supporting families regardless of geographical locations.

The program is currently reaching 40 families across two sites. The children attending are aged from newborn through to five years old. To date, over 1,100 families have been supported through the PCMG Program.  

2026 Program update:

The program’s outcomes and impact over the past year are as follows:

• Since its inception, the program has been able to support more than 1,100 families and has established a strong, positive reputation within the community.
• Last year, the service supported approximately 30 families across two delivery sites.
• The program has been running for over 20 years and has been successfully connecting parents and carers with useful resources in their own community. This helps reduce stress associated with caring for a young child and empowers families with tools to support their child’s development.
• Information on the program also continues to be distributed on the RCH Early Childhood Intervention Services webpage, local councils, maternal child health nurses, across educational settings, and NDIS partners.
• The program is well-recognised by playgroup coordinators and educational settings for its impact and value.
• Families who participate in the program consistently report stronger relationships with their children, supporting healthy emotional development and secure attachment.
• The group-based format creates a safe, supportive environment where parents build confidence in interacting with their child, sharing joyful moments, and learning alongside others.
• Participation also fosters peer connection, enabling parents to form meaningful relationships with other families experiencing similar challenges.
• The Parent-Child Mother Goose facilitators also help families navigate their way through different community services available to support their child’s development.