Frequently asked questions
What is play-based learning?
Play is the primary occupation for children. Play allows children to discover their own interests, abilities and limitations in a safe, supported environment. Children are encouraged to explore, investigate, and use their imagination to develop essential skills like communication, problem solving, socialisation, and motor skills. Play-based learning can be both structured and unstructured depending on the child’s needs.
What do our group sessions look like?
Our play-based education sessions are an hour of fun and play time! We begin by welcoming each child and their guardian into our space to sit together, sing a song, and enjoy a group story. We will explain the activities set out for the session before the children go off to explore, interact, play, and learn! Guardians are strongly encouraged to be active participants in their child’s play. Our dedicated teacher and occupational therapist will be there to guide, facilitate, encourage, and support both children and their families.
Where are we located?
The Playful Kind is based in The Ponds, north-west Sydney.
Mobile Occupational Therapy is available within the Hills and Blacktown local government areas and are subject to additional fees (please see more information on our fee schedule).
What are the fees?
Our fees are $45.00 per group session, a one term commitment will be required. Payment is expected prior to the commencement of each term. Terms will be based on the NSW public school’s calendar. For example, a 10-week term will incur a fee of $450.00.
Occupational Therapy fees are charged at $190 per hour of service. Additional fees will be incurred for assessments and reports at the hourly rate of $190. Mobile services will be subject to additional charges for travel. The cost will be dependent on the location of the participant.
Early Childhood Education and Development fees are charged at $190 per hour of service. Additional fees will be incurred for assessments and reports at the hourly rate of $190. Mobile services will be subject to additional charges for travel. The cost will be dependent on the location of the participant.
More information can be found on our fee schedule.
Can NDIS participants use our service?
Plan and self-managed participants are able to use their funding towards our Occupational Therapy and Early Childhood Education and Development services.
At this time, NDIS funding is unable to be used for our group sessions.
What age does my child need to be?
For group sessions, we welcome all children aged between 2 years – 5 years. Our sessions are carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of children; therefore, we have split the sessions into two groups:
2 years – 3 years
4 years – 5 years
Please make sure to select the correct age group when enrolling so we can cater to our best ability for your child.
School readiness sessions are specifically designated to benefit children the year prior to attending formal schooling, therefore it is best suited to 4 – 5-year-olds.
Occupational Therapy can be delivered to children of all ages – from 2 years to 18 years.
Early Childhood Education and Development can be delivered to children from 2 years to 8 years.
Can I stay throughout the session?
Yes! Our group sessions are specifically designed to be enjoyed together and we hope you get as much out of the session as your child!
The exception to this is our School Readiness sessions as part of the program is the children practicing saying goodbye (just for a short time!) to their guardian and immersing themselves in the session with their peers.