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Collaborative, strengths-based approach
A practical program that fits your service
smalltalk can be integrated into services that already work with parents and young children, including supported playgroups, parent–child groups, home visiting and family support programs.
Facilitators introduce practical strategies, model how to use them and guide parents through practice and reflection. Rather than adding separate activities to family life, smalltalk helps parents recognise and build on the everyday interactions they already share with their children.
The program can be delivered in different service settings and tailored to local contexts while maintaining its core evidence-based content and approach.
What smalltalk offers services
smalltalk gives facilitators a clear framework for supporting children’s early learning and development through their work with parents.
Through smalltalk, facilitators build their capability to:
- work collaboratively with parents as experts in their own children
- model warm and responsive parent–child interactions
- use coaching and reflective conversations
- help parents apply strategies through everyday routines and activities
- connect families with useful services and community supports.
Parents experience smalltalk as practical and achievable, with strategies that fit naturally into their family life, relationships and routines.
Core pillars of the program
smalltalk brings together five areas that support children’s social, emotional and cognitive development.
Together, they strengthen parent–child interactions, the home learning environment, parenting confidence and family wellbeing.
- Everyday interactions
Strengthening parent–child interactions that support children’s learning and development.
- Learning at home
Creating a stimulating home environment where children can learn through everyday experiences.
- Parent wellbeing
Supporting parents to look after their own wellbeing and practise self-care.
- Parenting confidence
Building parents’ confidence in their knowledge, decisions and parenting skills.
- Community connections
Helping families connect with useful services, resources and community supports.
smalltalk in practice
Case study: Supporting families through supported playgroups
The Victorian Government funds the statewide delivery of smalltalk through the Supported Playgroup program. smalltalk is delivered across 79 local government areas, primarily by councils, and supported by more than 160 trained facilitators.*
Families take part in play-based groups where they can build social connections, explore practical strategies and discover how everyday moments support their child’s learning and development.
Through conversations, modelling and shared activities, facilitators help parents strengthen responsive interactions with their children, create more opportunities for learning at home and build confidence in their role.
Some families also receive one-to-one home coaching. Working alongside a trained facilitator in their own environment, parents can explore smalltalk strategies, practise new skills and find ways to use them within their everyday routines.
This combination of group and individual support helps services respond to different family circumstances while connecting parents and children with their local community and support networks.
*Figures current at September 2026.
Explore the evidence
smalltalk was developed and evaluated through research into early childhood development, parenting and family engagement.
Studies have found positive outcomes for parent–child interactions, the home learning environment and parenting confidence, with some benefits continuing into children’s school years.
Could smalltalk work in your service?
We work with governments, community organisations and family services to explore how smalltalk can be integrated into different settings and communities.
Talk to our team about your service, the families you support and what delivering smalltalk could look like in your context.