A playgroup in Shepparton is supporting children with special needs through play and connection.
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PlayConnect+ is a free, inclusive program welcoming all children with disabilities and/or developmental concerns, along with their families, carers and siblings.
Shepparton’s very own PlayConnect+ in Banmira Specialist School Junior Campus has been supporting parents and children since 2023, welcoming ages up to six years old.
From 9.30am to 11.30am every Wednesday, families can explore the facility after settling in, experience the sensory play areas, engage in group games and participate in age-appropriate craft activities indoors or outdoors.
Facilitator Michelle Snow and group support worker Kristy Farrow are there to guide visitors through the morning and assist in any way they can.
“Our playgroup just bridges the gap between attending an overwhelming mainstream setting to a more specialised, facilitated setting,” Ms Snow said.
“Children are free to go where they choose.
“It’s very child-focused that way, and very interest-focused.
The staff then engage the children with a small group time, followed by a goodbye song to complete the session.
PlayConnect+ not only provides an enriching space for children’s learning and play, but also allows like-minded parents to chat and connect.
“In this safe and supportive environment, families share information, exchange experiences and offer peer support,” Playgroup Victoria programs and social impact manager Louise Buckle-Smith said.
Kristy Elrington, mother to Rory Elrington, has had a positive experience with the playgroup so far.
“So, Rory was an extreme prem (premature), and quite often that comes with developmental delays, so he’s a bit behind, particularly speech,” she said.
“This has been a really good safe space to come, it’s calm and spacious.
“It’s a really good place for him to come around and interact with others.”
Kylie Van Den Brink, mother to Ryan Van Den Brink, shares the same sentiment.
“We found out about it through ringing Banmira, about their school and potentially sending my son there because he’s got an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) diagnosis,” she said.
“I thought, well, if we need to get on wait lists and all that ... then they mentioned this, and I thought, oh, that’d be great just to connect with other mums that really get what we’re going through.
“And (to get) a bit more understanding of our kids, and the way they might be a little rougher or a little more aggressive sometimes ... just a bit more understanding.
“Ryan feels really safe here, he’s happy.
“He was so happy to come here today, running in, like, racing me to the door.”
Ms Van Den Brink said that where she’s from, there’s little that caters to children like Ryan.
“Our regional towns need so much more,” she said.
To learn more about PlayConnect+, visit playconnectplus.com.au/
To enrol in Shepparton’s PlayConnect+, contact Michelle Snow at msnow@playgroup.org.au or on 0467 302 377.