The Play Skills Program is a structured program delivered by speech pathologists and occupational therapists across multiple visits to early education settings. The program aims to strengthen foundational skills that support children’s participation in early learning environments and set them up for future success. Program activities are delivered to small groups of children with themed play contexts (for example farm play, shop play, and home play scenarios). These sessions provide meaningful opportunities for children to practise language, social interaction, motor and cognitive skills within familiar and engaging learning situations while encouraging cooperative play. The program is delivered either weekly or fortnightly with qualified therapists who can modify and adapt the program to suit your cohort.

Expected outcomes include:

• improved verbal and non verbal communication skills
• improved ability to engage with play and learning
• improved imaginative play skills and
• improved fine and gross motor skills.

The Play Skills Program may be delivered through different program formats depending on the needs of the participating ECEC service and the disciplines involved in delivery.

• A single-discipline program delivered by either a Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist may be delivered over a minimum of 4 sessions and up to 8 sessions.
• A multidisciplinary program delivered collaboratively by both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy may be delivered over 12–16 sessions to allow for extension and consolidation of skill development across communication, social, motor, and cognitive domains.

Session length can range from 60 to 90 minutes per visit and may be delivered weekly or fortnightly depending on the scheduling capacity of the ECEC service.

• Weekly sessions are typically recommended when the program is delivered by a single discipline.
• Fortnightly sessions are recommended when both Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy are involved, allowing each discipline to alternate sessions and reinforce learning across developmental domains.

All program activities (face to face time, resources and reporting) are charged at $205.53 per hour, per clinician, per visit. Travel time is charged at a rate of $199.54 per hour, or part thereof. Vehicle travel is charged at $0.99 per kilometre travelled. Travel time and distance is calculated from the closest Talking Matters clinic location to the participating ECEC service and applies to each clinician travelling to deliver the program for each session. All costs listed are GST exclusive.