PALS – Play and Learn Supported
PALS
What is the PALS Playgroup Program?
Play and Learn Supported (PALS) playgroups are an innovative Australian model, bringing together all families – whatever their abilities – for shared activities, fun and learning. PALS playgroups are welcoming environments for all children, including those with disabilities and additional needs.
It’s all about learning together, making joyful moments for families and creating communities that support us all.
Who is the PALS playgroup for?
PALS Programs are an all-abilities playgroup with a focus on providing an inclusive space for all children with or without disability and/ or additional needs. Children from the ages of 0-5 years are welcome with their parents or carers. No formal diagnosis is required to attend.
How will a PALS playgroup benefit our family and community?
PALS playgroups offer an environment accepting of all children and their families, fostering and nurturing all abilities.
Benefits include:
- For children with disabilities and their families: new opportunities to connect with others in the community and increasing children’s skills
- For families of children without disabilities: greater understanding of disability and inclusion
- For community organisations: greater skills in providing inclusive practices and referrals to other appropriate services
The activity focus of each PALS session changes each semester, offering children the opportunity to experience a range of activities within a supportive and inclusive setting.
What happens during PALS playgroups?
At PALS, families with young children embark on a program of activities with local community cultural, arts, sporting or recreational organisations. At every step, they are supported by a trained playgroup facilitator.
PALS playgroups differ each semester, please refer to the details below to find out which PALS playgroups are currently running.
Where is PALS held?
We will be running PALS inclusive playgroups in Marrara and Casuarina this year. Prior to attending, interested families are required to contact our Playgroup Facilitator on the details below.
Kindergym
The kindergym program provides opportunities for young children to explore and develop their physical potential in a safe environment. Kindergym also develops children’s social, emotional and cognitive abilities.
As children progress through the program, new and more challenging activities are introduced. This progression builds and improves children’s confidence and self-concept. Each month, a new theme is explored keeping the program exciting and varied. The class is a mix of structured group activity with song, and free-time exploring the circuits and activity stations which change every two weeks.
Tuesday 10:00am – 10:45am
For children aged 1-5 years
Commencing Tuesday 27 February 2024
Darwin Gymnastics Club, Marrara Sporting Complex (Multi-purpose Hall), 10 Abala Street, Marrara
Gym 4 Growth & Development (g4gd)
G4gd provided active and appropriate movement opportunities that enable young children to explore, develop and refine the skills that are essential for healthy physical and neurological development. The 45 minute program offers a combination of brain gym, positive touch and developmental movements; yoga, reflexology and other perceptual motor based activities.
Monday 9:30am – 10:15am
For children aged birth – 4 years
Commencing Monday 5 February 2023
Community Room, Casuarina Library, Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina.
Will I need to pay?
There is no session fee for the PALS playgroup, but families do need to be a member of Playgroup NT. Membership is free for PALS participants. The PALS Playgroup Program is supported by the Australian Government, under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program administered by the Department of Social Services.
Who should I contact?
For further information and prior to attending, please contact Cindy from Playgroup NT on 043 7711 672 or [email protected]