Playgroups
PlayConnect+ groups are open to all children with disability and/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, rural and remote locations.
Who Can Attend? PlayConnect+ groups are open to all children with disability and/or developmental concerns aged 0-8 years, their families, carers and siblings. No diagnosis is required. All sessions will be facilitated by qualified professionals.
Where Are PlayConnect+ Groups held? PlayConnect+ sessions will be delivered by the State and Territory Playgroup Associations across Australia in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations. Additional online offerings are also available. You can also find a PlayConnect+ group through your local Playgroup Association.
The PlayConnect+ program is FREE and includes:
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Face-to-face weekly, one and a half to two-hour supported playgroups.*
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Face-to-face weekly, one and a half to two-hour supported playgroups* in regional/rural/remote areas prioritizing First Nations children and families.
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Face-to-face, two-hour music groups facilitated by a tertiary qualified Music Therapist.
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Online playgroups (for regional/rural/remote families and those who cannot attend a face-to-face group).
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Online and face-to-face school holiday sessions for children 5-8 years providing peer support and access to creative arts.
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Facilitation of transitions to other educational settings to support school readiness.
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Holistic family support including information and advice about other disability support services that we have established partnerships with.
*Playgroups will run during term-times for a total of 40 weeks each year.​
All 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 evidence-based programs and delivered by tertiary trained, registered music therapists.
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. Go to www.dss.gov.au for more information.
