Noah's Ark Early Intervention Playgroups have a developmental focus designed to assist children to extend their skills in a fully inclusive group setting.

The cornerstone of our philosophy is to provide every child the opportunity to experience a world where we accept each other as unique individuals who have much to offer.

We endeavour to provide a semi-structured program, a variety of activities to promote a range of skills, and free play and socialisation opportunities.

By working with young children in a positive inclusive environment, we aim to prepare them for the diversity of future educational experiences.

Play Group Sessions
Noah's Ark Early Intervention Playgroups are staffed by trained professionals with backgrounds in Early childhood/teaching, occupational and speech therapy.

The groups offer an informal setting in which children (up to the age of three), parents and facilitators can work together to build a variety of skills, learn and socialise through play.

Each session will include some or all of the following activities:

Group Music and Singing Session
This welcomes the group together and focuses attention. Activities to promote movement, listening and fine motor skills, as well as social interactions, are encouraged.

Tabletop Activities - Craft and/or Painting
These activities provide opportunities to learn and extend a range of fine motor skills, creativity, imagination and social skills, while exploring and experimenting with a range of media. Be sure to wear suitable clothes for "messy play".

Outside Play
Noah's Ark playground equipment has been designed to provide a variety of gross motor opportunities. Wobble boards, steps, bridges and slides, as well as a sand pit and facilities for water play, are ever-changing combinations in the outdoor play areas.

Story Telling
Story telling brings the children together as a group, and encourages listening skills, communication opportunities and imagination, whislt promoting the love of books.

Resource Borrowing
you may exchange your resources before or after your group session. Please take your child upstairs with you when you select your toys. An advisor will be able to provide information and guidance for parents in the selection and use of equipment.

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Early Intervention Playgroups Offered
The Early Intervention Playgroups are for children from birth until, including the term they turn 3 years of age. At this time it is anticipated that they will move into regular playgroups, and/or avail themselves to other community services.

Sensori –Motor (Birth until approximately 18 mths or crawling)
Provide developmentally appropriate sensory and motor experiences for children with special needs.

Communication and Language (approximately 1 yr to 2 ½
years old or talking)
Play based activities that focus on the development of communication and language skills for children with special needs.

Inclusive (approximately 2 –3 year olds)
Play based, with activities targeting specific areas of development. Available to community and special needs families.

My Time ( children up to school age)
Support group for parents and carers of children with special needs, receiving the Carers Allowance.

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Resource Borrowing
You may exchange your resources at the end of a group session. Please take your child upstairs with you when you select your toys. Staff are able to provide information and guidance for parents in the selection and use of equipment.

Fees
Early Intervention Group fee schedules are available at the front desk. In order to join an Early Intervention Group, you must be a financial member of Noah's Ark Resource Centre.

Exclusion of Liability
By attending Noah’s Ark Resource Centre as a borrowing member or taking part in a playgroup session and placing your child/children (or those in your care) in the Centre you agree:

1. To abide by the conditions and regulations of the Centre;
2. To be responsible for your own child/children or those in your care at all times;
3. That Noah’s Ark will not be responsible or liable in any circumstances for any injury suffered by the child/children whether due to the negligence of Noah’s Ark staff or otherwise”.
   

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