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| Latest News |
 Staff from Playgroup Australia will be at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC '09) in Sydney this week. You may bump into us at the Helping Children with Autism (FaHCSIA) information stand during the breaks!
Say hi, we'd love to meet you.
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| The Importance of Play |
 Research has shown the value of play for the social, cognitive, emotional and physical development of all children (Ginsburg,2007). Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.
A child immersed in play is a continuous process of experimentation which allows the child to focus on the process rather than the end product. Subsequently, play fosters the development of a number of fundamental processes which are vital to assist children successfully engage in broader community activities such as school, child care.
Interactive play- increases social skills
Story Time- fosters beginning literacy and linguistic skills
Singing time- encourages language development and introduces turn taking
Indoor Play- develops language, motor and thinking skills
Outdoor Play- improve strength, balance, coordination and sequencing skills
Craft Time- practice fine motor, pre-writing skills, developing
thinking skills and creativity
Play also provides parents and carers a vehicle to connect with their child and gain child insights.
At a PlayConnect, children are provided a secure, supportive environment to generalise previously acquired skills, expand upon play skills, increase tolerance and develop coping strategies. |
| What the families say |
We've been collecting testimonials from families that go to PlayConnect Playgroups about their positive experiences with the program. If you too want to share your thoughts, we'd love you to email info@playgroupaustralia.com.au
It's really tough in those early days during the diagnosis and anything that helps get you through has got to be good. I'm also learning more about my daughter, seeing her in different settings, seeing how she behaves in different situations, seeing her weaknesses - but also seeing her strengths as she plays. Lisa, Wollongong PlayConnect.
When I first started going I didn't know anyone else with a child with ASD, so meeting other parents was great for me - a relief in a way. This has opened up new doors for me and my family that I didn't know of before. Monique, Cairns PlayConnect.
Seeing him enjoy playing, and his social skills improving. Meeting other children, learning, sharing and having fun. Diane, Cairns PlayConnect.
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| Our Team |
 Rebecca Burke - National ASD Advisor for the PlayConnect Program
How long have you been a staff member?
I joined Playgroup Australia nine months ago just after the first PlayConnect Playgroups started.
What is your background?
I am a psychologist and an early childhood teacher. I completed a degree in Psychology from the University of Queensland. I did a lot of work experience during my degree with early intervention services for children with autism, and that prompted me to start a bachelor of Education. I specialised in Early Childhood and children with special needs. I have worked in private practice and the education system. I have also worked in early intervention services in Australia and the United Kingdom.
I decided to take on the role as ASD adviser because I've always had an interest in play in early learning. I believe in the value of playgroups as a great service for children with ASD and their families. I see my role as helping development workers set up PlayConnect playgroups that will engage children with ASD and provide tips on creating a safe and stimulating environment for the children and their families.
Family?
I'm married and I have a beautiful three month old son named Angus. He's energetic and keeping me busy.
Favourite Place?
The South of France because of the wineries, beaches, food and amazing scenery.
Favourite Movie?
Love Actually because it's funny with great music.
Favourite way to relax?
Right now it would be sleeping, Angus doesn't like me to enjoy too much of it.
Favourite Food?
Any and all desserts because I have a very sweet tooth (teeth).
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| Current PlayConnect Playgroups |
ACT:
Gungahlin & Weston
For more information, please contact Kirsten Cross.
NSW:
Ballina, Metford, Medowie, Hamilton South, Campbelltown, Wagga Wagga, Canterbury, Blacktown, Liverpool, Coffs Harbour, Albury, Albion Park, Marrickville, Orange & Wollongong.
For more information, please contact Sandy Kervin.
NT:
Darwin.
For more information, please contact Sue Wainwright.
QLD:
Cairns, Mackay, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Townsville, Ipswich, Nerang, Redland Bay & Narangba.
For more information, please contact Lesley Olsen.
SA:
Port Adelaide, Findon, Enfield, Mt Barker, Tea Tree Gully, Gawler & Victor Harbour.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Mason.
TAS:
Launceston
For more information, please contact Kelli Schultz.
VIC:
Hobson's Bay (Laverton), Maribyrnong, Banyule (Bundoora), Box Hill South (Surrey Hills), Mildura, Sunshine, Hoppers Crossing, Echuca, Glen Waverley (Monash Municipality), Wonthaggi, Bendigo, Port Melbourne, Thornbury, Brighton, Lakes Entrance
For more information, please contact Janine Regan.
WA:
Geraldton, Heathridge, Mandurah, Midvale, North Perth & Tuart Hill
For more information, please contact Susan Teather.
For more information about times and locations, please talk to the above contact people at the State or Territory Playgroup Association on (toll free) 1800 171 882. |
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| Helping Children with Autism Package |
PlayConnect Playgroups are a component of the Australian Government's Helping Children with Autism package.
Information about other elements of the Helping Children with Autism package can be found at www.fahcsia.gov.au or by phoning the Helping Children with Autism Information Line on 1800 289 177. |
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| About Playgroup Australia |
Playgroup Australia is a federation of the eight peak State and Territory Playgroup Associations across Australia who collectively represent more than 105,000 families and 145,000 children at 8,500 playgroup sessions every week. The national office is located in Brisbane.
For more information, please go to www.playgroupaustralia.com.au |
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| The Power of PLAY National Conference |
Proudly brought to you by Playgroup Australia
Announcing one of the most exciting professional development events in recent years for those working with young children and families. "The Power of PLAY" Conference examines the importance of play in the early years from a range of perspectives and includes a varied program of quality keynote speakers, abstract presentations and interactive workshops.
Venue - Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast Queensland
Dates - 5 -7 November 2009
THE TOP FIVE REASONS YOU'LL BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE
1. ENRICH your understanding of the importance of play in the early years
2. CONTRIBUTE your ideas and collaborate with like-minds
3. NETWORK with people making a difference in the early childhood sector
4. BE INSPIRED by best practice and innovative approaches
5. ENJOY the atmosphere, surrounds and sub-tropical climate
Early bird registration closes 31st August
SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW!
Visit - www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/conference |
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| Some Helpful Websites Relating to ASD |
The Raising Children Network has launched a website specifically for information about Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This site contains a wealth of valuable information about therapeutic interventions, navigating the service system, parent forums and general Autism information. You can access this information at www.raisingchildren.net.au/autism
Early Days provides free workshops for mothers, fathers and other family carers of children aged six years and under who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Early Days is part of the Australian Government's Helping Children with Autism package. Early Days workshops provide up-to-date information about Autism as well as parenting tools you can use to promote the development of your child. www.earlydays.net.au/news/early-days-launched.html
It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.- Leo F. Buscaglia |
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