Playsteps
FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 4 YEARS
Playsteps
FOR CHILDREN AGED 2 TO 4 YEARS
Playsteps is a supported playgroup for children aged 2 to 4 years with an autism diagnosis and their parents or primary caregivers. Commencing in Term 1, 2025, the playgroup will be facilitated by a transdisciplinary team of special education teachers, educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists and music therapists from Giant Steps.
Taking place each Tuesday morning during school term time at Boronia Park Uniting Church Hall, eligible children will be aged 2 to 4 years, have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or already be on the diagnostic journey. This is a fee-based program, places are limited and enrolment offers must be accepted prior to attending. For further information please submit an enquiry.
Reflecting the structure of our already established Early Years Program, Playsteps aims to provide opportunities for young children to:
- Develop overall independence
- Engage and participate in the routines of a group program
- Build on social skills and developing rapport and relationships with others
- Separate from parents and/or primary caregivers for a short period of time
Playsteps also supports parents or primary caregivers to:
- Understand the individualised needs of their child
- Connect with other families to share ideas and experiences in a safe and comfortable environment
- Gain an understanding of strategies to support their child’s overall development
Occurring at regular intervals throughout the term, time will also be allocated during the playgroup session for parent training. Topics covered include setting up and teaching routines, supporting functional communication and understanding sensory processing differences.
Parents or caregivers are required to remain with their child for the duration of each Playsteps session.
With a strong focus on supporting children to build foundation skills for group-based learning environments, the structure of the program will be:
- Free play
- Group Time with music and dance
- Morning Tea (coffee break or education session for parents and caregivers)
- Outdoor play
- Group experience with an art, cooking or sensory focus
- Goodbye
Giant Steps is a registered NDIS provider. This is a fee-based service ($120 per two hour session) and fees are payable for a complete term.
View and download the Playsteps flyer.
Sarah Rawlins
Co-Director PrimarySarah holds a Master of Special Education, University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Education (Music Education), University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy.
She has worked closely with both families and mainstream Early Childhood education and care settings to foster and support successful partnerships and collaborative teams around the child and family. Additionally, she has provided training and support to mainstream settings to build capacity and develop quality inclusive practices to support the inclusion of all children within Early Childhood settings.
SYDNEY TEAM
MELBOURNE TEAM
Playsteps strives to help parents gain a deeper understanding of how to support the individual needs of their child.