PlayConnect+ is delivered by the State and Territory Playgroup Associations as part of a consortium led by Autism Queensland. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services as part of the National Early Childhood Program (NECP). It is also supported by the State Autism Associations.

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PlayConnect+ groups are open to all children with disability or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years, their families, carers and siblings. All sessions will be delivered by the State and Territory Playgroup Associations across Australia in metropolitan, regional and remote locations. Rollout of the program will shortly commence.

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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.

 

All PlayConnect+ groups will be delivered based on the core characteristics of high-quality playgroups, identified in Playgroup Principles (Australian Institute of Family Studies). Music groups will be informed by the evidence-based Sing & Grow Music Therapy program and delivered by tertiary-trained, registered music therapists.