- We are seeking children and teens and young adults who want to come and play, hang out, and socialize!
Research shows that peer play experiences are a vital part of children’s learning, development and culture. Our program is designed to enhance social interaction, communication, play and imagination! We aim to teach peers to be more accepting, responsive and inclusive of children who relate and play in different ways. Children, who come to our play groups grow in empathy and self–confidence, while becoming compassionate leaders. We teach children how to make and be a good friend. Everyone has a lot of fun and for some children this is a life-changing experience.
Our program model
Our play groups are based upon the Integrated Play Group therapy, the Montessori philosophy and methods, Positive Behavior Support, Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Discipline, and Social and Emotional Education. These methods and our strong values create an environment where children learn appropriate skills in ways that are carefully designed to be enjoyable for the child.
The Montessori philosophy has 4 principal goals:
- To awaken the child’s spirit and imagination
- To encourage the natural desire for independence and high sense of self-esteem
- To help children develop the kindness, courtesy and self-discipline that will allo
w them to become a full member of society - To help children learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently
The IPG model was created by Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D to address the unique and complex challenges children on the autism spectrum experience in peer relationships.
Play Group Participants
Our play groups are made up of 3-5 children. We combine both volunteers and clients in our groups. Clients are individuals who struggle with social interactions, regardless of diagnosis. These children are developmentally challenged and learn and grow in their social skills through the interaction and modeling of the expert players. Volunteers include typical peers and siblings with strong social, communication and play skills.
The Play Groups
Our groups take place at our beautiful campus located in El Dorado Hills. Groups generally meet 2-3 times per week for 90 minutes. Play groups are tailored to the children’s interests, abilities and needs. Clients and Volunteers engage in mutually enjoyed play activities that encourage reciprocal social interaction, communication and imagination (ie. pretend play, constructing, art, music and movement, interactive games etc.). Play groups are carefully supervised by screened and certified staff members.
The Benefits
Allowing y
our child to participate in our groups will result in life changing character development!
Our groups strengthen a child’s sense of empathy and compassion, strengths leadership and self-esteem, fosters acceptance and friendship, and promotes fun and imagination! Play groups also facilitate opportunities for stronger social interaction, communication skills and emotional intelligence.
In addition, parents are welcome to participate in our monthly Group Parent Training where insight into how children develop and how you as a parent can support their growth. Some of the topics include:
- Positive Discipline
- Social Communication
- The Importance of Play
- Generalization of skills
and more!
Cost
Our weekly group participation is free of cost
Annual supply fee of $25.00
For additional information please contact us at (916) 357-5837