Playconnect+
at 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,
Where will Playconnect+ be held?
PlayConnect+ Online
– Curious Crocodiles Playgroup
This online playgroup runs for 30 minutes on Tuesday mornings from 9:00am – 9:30am 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
– Crafty Kookaburras
This face-to-face playgroup is held on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00am
Berry Springs Recreation Reserve
– Flying Foxes Playgroup
This face-to-face playgroup is held on Thursday mornings 9:00 – 11:00am
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]