The Stay and Play Communication and Play Group, is often the first point of call, for families who are concerned about their child’s development. The group is run by a Speech Pathologist and Early Childhood Teacher at Pathways ECI and it aims to:
- Provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for families;
- Allow families to build relationships with one another as well as with staff;
- Provide a place where families can seek further information, resources and support regarding their child’s/family’s needs;
- Provide a fun, enriching playgroup setting to assist children’s development; and
- Provide specific teaching and therapeutic strategies as required.
As facilitators, we circulate through the group, talking to families and providing information and strategies as appropriate for each child. Many of the families who attend are in the early stages of receiving a diagnosis for their child and are understandably very worried and anxious, so we strive to create a supportive environment, as well as provide practical support and information.
Grandparents, siblings and other friends and family are all welcome to the Stay and Play Group.
While the group is a play-based intervention, it does follow a simple structure that is repeated each week, so that the children have the opportunity to learn about moving from one activity to another. Following a similar structure each week also means the children are better able to anticipate what will happen next, which not only helps reduce their stress and anxiety, but also has the effect of promoting interaction. When they’re comfortable and confident in their environment, they’re more open to the people around them.
The structure of the group is:
11.30am-12.20pm: Open play indoors
12.20pm-12.30pm: Pack away, move into smaller room
12.30pm-12.50pm: Music and movement
12.50pm-1.00pm: Circle time: songs, communication activity, story, farewell
