As part of the $190 million Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) package $5 million has been allocated to deliver playgroups to support parents, families and children with ASDs or ASD like symptoms.
The playgroups branded PlayConnect Playgroups offer play based learning opportunities for children and social support networks for their parents, families and carers. These playgroups will educate and connect parents, families and carers to resources available in their local area and to other elements of the HCWA package. PlayConnect Playgroups will support parents, families, carers and children who have ASD or ASD like symptoms, including those from Indigenous or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those living in rural and remote areas. The playgroups will target children aged zero to six with ASDs or ASD like symptoms. Children will not require a formal diagnosis of an ASD to attend a playgroup.
Playgroup Australia are the national provider for the PlayConnect Playgroups and are working in partnership with State and Territory Playgroup Associations to establish 150 playgroups throughout Australia. As new sites are identified the playgroups will be progressively opened throughout Australia. There are currently 66 PlayConnect Playgroup sites approved, the majority of which are holding playgroup sessions and a few still undertaking promotional and enrolment activities.
Further information and locations of Playconnect Playgroups can be found on the Playgroup Australia website. Follow the link for Playconnect Playgroups on the Playgroup Australia home page.
Parents, families and carers wishing to join operational PlayConnect Playgroups should ring 1800171882 to find out the opening times. This number will connect you to your nearest Playgroup Association hosting the PlayConnect Playgroups.
Parents, families and carers wishing to express their interest in attending a PlayConnect Playgroup in a location where a PlayConnect Playgroup has not been established can contact Playgroup Australia on 1800790335 or email Playgroup Australia (info@playgroupaustralia.com.au).
Organisations wishing to discuss opportunities to partner a PlayConnect Playgroup should contact Playgroup Australia on 1800790335 or email Playgroup Australia (info@playgroupaustralia.com.au).