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Playconnect+

What is the Playconnect+ Program?

PlayConnect+ playgroups welcome all children with disability and/or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years, their families, carers and siblings. No formal diagnosis or formal assessment is required to join.

PlayConnect+ draws on learning and experiences gathered through the PlayConnect Playgroups model for autistic children (0-5 years), children with autistic-like characteristics, developmental delays, or behavioural concerns. These playgroups were delivered across Australia from 2009-2022.

What will Playconnect+ Programs look like?

The PlayConnect+ program offers a variety of different playgroups in locations across the Northern Territory.  As part of this program, we are delivering:

  • 2 Face-to-face weekly, supported playgroups in Howard Springs and Ngukurr, including some school holiday groups for 5–8-year-olds.
  • An online playgroup (Curious Crocodiles) for families NT-wide and those who cannot attend a face-to-face group.

    Who is the Playconnect+ Playgroup Programs for?

    PlayConnect+ playgroups face-to-face or online, welcome all children with disability and/or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years, their families, carers and siblings. No formal diagnosis or formal assessment is necessary to attend.

    How will a Playconnect+ Playgroup Program benefit our family?

    The PlayConnect+ program is a great way for families to connect, share knowledge, ideas, and have fun.

    PlayConnect+ Playgroups are designed with the Australian Institute of Family Studies, ‘Principles for high-quality playgroups’ core characteristics to ensure high quality effective playgroups.

    These characteristics ensure that:

    • Playgroups are about play, offering high quality, fun play-based experiences for children and carers.
    • Playgroups are child focused, inclusive and developmentally appropriate.
    • Playgroups are about connection- for children, their families, carers and playgroup facilitator to connect with others through play.
    • Playgroups are safe and welcoming – providing a culturally, physically and emotionally safe and inclusive spaces.
    • Playgroups are culturally safe – honouring, respecting and supporting family’s cultural heritage and the needs of their children.
    • Playgroups are flexible- playgroup facilitators are flexible, responsive and adaptive in the delivery of the playgroup to meet the needs of children, families, carers and community.
    • Playgroups are strengthening- recognise and value the strengths, skills and knowledge of families. Parents/Carers are acknowledged as the child’s first teacher.

    Further reading on these principles can be located here,

    https://aifs.gov.au/resources/practice-guides/principles-high-quality-playgroups-examples-research-and-practice

    Where will Playconnect+ be held?

    PlayConnect+ Online – Curious Crocodiles Playgroup

    This online playgroup runs Tuesday morning for 30 minutes during school terms.

    These sessions will be interactive and fun – a joyful time for you to connect with other families, engage in play, share stories and gain support.

    PlayConnect+ Rural – Flying Foxes Playgroup

    This face-to-face playgroup is held on Wednesday 9:00 – 10:30 AM

    Howard Hall, 315 Whitewood Road, Howard Springs Recreation Reserve, Howard Springs

    Will I need to pay? 

    All PlayConnect+ playgroups are free, but families do need to register and become a member of Playgroup NT.

    PlayConnect+ is delivered by Playgroup NT in a partnership led by Autism Queensland. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

    Further information about the program can be found at www.playconnectplus.com.au

    Who should I contact?

    To register your interest for our PlayConnect+ Programs please contact Cindy at Playgroup NT on 0437 711 672 or [email protected]