Playconnect+
What is the Playconnect+ Program?
PlayConnect+ playgroups have a broad early support focus for families with young children. They are designed for families of children aged 0-8 years who experience social anxiety, sensory processing differences or overwhelm.
We 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 Marrara , including some school holiday groups for 5–8-year-olds.
- An online playgroup (Curious Crocodiles) for families Australia-wide during the Northern Territory, Top End build-up & monsoon seasons (October- March).
Who is the Playconnect+ Playgroup Programs for?
Our playgroups offer a space for families to meet with others in similar circumstances who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role. We are dedicated to working with families to better meet their support needs and bring some moments of joyful play.
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.
What can our family expect when attending a PlayConnect+ Playgroup?
Our 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, after school hours. 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. They will be delivered during the Northern Territory, Top End build-up & monsoon seasons (October- March).
Follow Playgroup NT Facebook page for announcements when these sessions will run.
PlayConnect+ Marrara
– Creative Curlews Playgroup
This face-to-face playgroup is held on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 – 2:00pm
Playgroup House, Marrara
PlayConnect+ Rural
– Flying Foxes Playgroup
This face-to-face playgroup is held on Thursday mornings 9:30 – 11:30am
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]