PEERS for
Pre-Schoolers
PEERS for Pre-Schoolers is an evidence based social skills program designed to help neurodiverse children aged 4 to 6 years develop friendship skills
What is PEERS for
Pre-Schoolers?
PEERS for Pre-schoolers is an evidence-based social skills program designed to help children aged 4 to 6 years develop friendship skills. Over 16 weekly 90-minute sessions, children learn and practice key social behaviors such as greetings, sharing, joining play, and handling transitions. Lessons are delivered through engaging methods including puppet shows, role-plays, and group activities. Parents receive individualized coaching and guidance to support their child’s progress. Participants with an Autism-Spectrum-Disorder (ASD) or other relevant diagnosis are able to use NDIS funding to participate.
Group Program Details
PEERS for Pre-schoolers
Who is this program for?
Neurodiverse children, children with social anxiety, and/or children with developmental delays.
Aged between 4 and 6 years
When is the program?
Saturday afternoons
Where in Melbourne is this PEERS for Pre-schoolers group?
We currently run our program at 97 Springvale Road, Nunawading.
How do I enrol my child?
Complete our short enquiry form to discuss enrolment options for your child.
Friendship Skills Taught
- Listen and follow directions
- Ask and use names
- Greet friends
- Share and give turns
- Ask friends to play
- Join ongoing games
- Keep cool during play
- Be a good sport
- Transition to new play activities
- Ask and give help
- Use good volume control
- Maintain personal boundaries
PEERS for Pre-Schoolers Program Components
- PEERS for Preschoolers is an evidence-based social skills program to teach children between the ages of 4 to 6 years how to make and keep friends, improve social skills and reduce behavioral difficulties.
- Children and parents attend 16 weekly group sessions for 90 minutes per week.
- Participants are taught social skills through didactic lessons, puppet shows, and role-play demonstrations, and practice these skills during group socialization activities.
- Parents practice skills with their children in session with other parent-child pairs.
- Participants are guided on weekly homework assignments.
- Parents are provided with individualized guidance and feedback on coaching their children in the use of social skills.
Program Overview and Pricing
- Cost: $5280.00 (Participants may use NDIS funding)
- 16 parent and child sessions facilitated by two Clinical Psychologists certified as PEERS Facilitators
- Access to Puppet Show videos
- Detailed handouts on each social skill
- Homework activities
- Individual Parent Coaching
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is PEERS for Pre-schoolers suitable for?
PEERS for Pre-schoolers is designed for children aged 4 to 6 years who could benefit from structured support in developing early friendship skills. This includes children who:
- Have Autism-Spectrum-Disorder (ASD)
- Have ADHD or challenges with impulse control
- Experience anxiety during social participation
- Want to develop skills in sharing, joining play and understanding social cues
Can parents attend sessions?
Yes. Parents attend all sessions help practice the social skills with their children and in parent-child pairs.
Do you accept NDIS funding?
Yes. Children with NDIS plans are able to use funding to cover costs.
Where in Melbourne are the PEERS for Pre-Schoolers groups held?
Our PEERS for Pre-schoolers Programs currently run face to face in Nunawading, Central to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Who delivers the program?
Dr Sonia Prescott and Melinda Gladman are both clinical psychologists and certified facilitators of the PEERS for Pre-Schoolers program. Click here to find out more about our team.
How do I register?
Complete the Register Interest form to join a group today!