Free Disability Inclusion Support and Training.
What are PlayTogether Playgroups?
PlayTogether Playgroups are everyday, community playgroups where the volunteer leader/coordinator has participated in informal training on disability and inclusion in a playgroup setting. The playgroup has also received resources and mentoring support to assist with setting up the play spaces that make it more inclusive for everyone. Read on to learn how you can participate in the training for free!
PlayTogether is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Become a Certified PlayTogether Playgroup
Workshops to enable playgroups to be inclusive to all!
Become a recognised PlayTogether Playgroup by participating in an online workshop with our Inclusion Coordinator. The training, approximately one hour in duration, is interactive and provides basic knowledge and information on:
- Creating the playgroup environment
- Talking about disability
- Barriers to inclusion
- Welcoming new families to playgroup
After completing the workshop with our Inclusion Coordinator, further support and mentoring can be made available.
Community Playgroups registered with Playgroup Victoria, who complete the training and mentoring will also receive a FREE inclusion resource kit.
The resource kits are designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or similar traits, to play and socialise in playgroups. The kits contain communication resources and play activities to help scaffold children’s play and learning. These kits are provided free to all community playgroups that complete the online PlayTogether training workshops and register with Playgroup Victoria as an inclusive playgroup. If your group is not registered with us, join today to receive the free resource kit. Please note: Funded-supported playgroups are not eligible to participate in this program.
Inclusion Support and Assistance For Families
Playgroup Victoria’s Inclusion Officer is available to support families with disability to engage with community playgroups, and to assist mainstream playgroups to be more inclusive.
We can assist with:
- Support or advice
- Linkages to playgroups
- In person support when joining a group
PlayTogether Booklet for Families
This brochure contains information for families on what to expect at an Inclusive Playgroup, and how play spaces can be set out.
This brochure will also guide you on the following topics:
- Talking to children about disabilities
- Sensory processing
- Adjusting to different needs
- Benefits for parents and children
- Social barriers
Inclusive Information for Playgroups
A booklet is available to assist community playgroups to be inclusive of all children, and to learn more about:
- The importance of inclusion at playgroup
- Adapting the play environment
- Breaking down social barriers
- Tips on talking about disability with children
- Understanding different needs and how to accommodate them
- Benefits of becoming an Inclusive playgroup
To learn more about the PlayTogether training, support and resource kit, please contact –
Vicki McDonald – vmcdonald@playgroup.org.au
PlayTogether is funded under the NDIS ILC projects until December 2022. After this date, the resource kits will incur a fee. The cost includes email and phone support.