Learn to Play at AkindaCo

Learn to Play is an evidence-informed early childhood program that helps young children build the pretend play skills that underpin language, social connection and emotional regulation. AkindaCo runs Learn to Play groups for children, and supports preschools and early learning services through the South Australian Government's Preschool Boost program, with delivery from our North Adelaide and Salisbury clinics in South Australia, and on-site in early learning settings. The program is open to families paying privately (no referral required) and to NDIS participants with funding under Capacity Building, most often Improved Daily Living. Sessions are run by therapists trained in trauma-informed, attachment-based and play-based practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Learn to Play and why is pretend play so important for young children?

Learn to Play is a structured but child-led approach to building pretend play skills, like feeding a doll, pretending a stick is a phone, or telling a story with toy animals. Pretend play is one of the strongest predictors of later language development, social skills and emotional regulation in young children. Children who do not naturally enter pretend play often need help learning the steps. Learn to Play breaks those steps down so children build skills from simple shared actions through to longer collaborative storylines.

Who is the Learn to Play program for at AkindaCo?

Learn to Play is for children in the early years, especially those who are autistic, neurodivergent, developmentally delayed, or who have had a hard early start that has affected their play and connection. The program is also useful for children who are quiet, withdrawn or struggling to join in at preschool. AkindaCo's Learn to Play groups run from our North Adelaide and Salisbury clinics in South Australia, and we also deliver in-service training and groups inside early learning settings.

Do I need an NDIS plan for my child to attend?

You do not need an NDIS plan to access Learn to Play at AkindaCo. Families paying privately can book directly without a referral. NDIS participants can use Capacity Building funding, most commonly Improved Daily Living, to attend. AkindaCo works with plan-managed and self-managed participants. If you are not sure how your child's plan can be used, contact us and we can help you work it out before you commit.

What is the Preschool Boost program and how is AkindaCo involved?

The Preschool Boost program is a South Australian Government initiative that strengthens the capacity of preschools and early learning services to support all children, including those with developmental needs. AkindaCo has been selected as an approved provider, and delivers evidence-informed programs that combine trauma-informed practice, attachment theory and play-based learning. Our work with services includes both child-focused groups and educator training, so the benefits stay in the room long after our sessions end.

How long does the Learn to Play program run for?

The Learn to Play group at AkindaCo runs over 17 weekly in-person sessions, with each session focused on a child-led group experience. When delivered through Preschool Boost, each child session is paired with 30 minutes of educator training before and 30 minutes after, so educators can confidently carry the practice into everyday preschool routines. This model is designed so the change is not just in the child during the session, it is in the way play is supported across the whole week.

Can the program come to my preschool or kindy?

Yes. AkindaCo's early childhood team delivers Learn to Play and Preschool Boost programs on-site in early learning services across South Australia. We work alongside educators rather than in place of them, building their confidence to nurture pretend play throughout the day. Services can submit a Preschool Boost Booking Request Form through our website, and a member of our team will be in touch within three business days with a quote and next steps.

Who delivers the early childhood programs at AkindaCo?

AkindaCo's early childhood programs are delivered by therapists trained in trauma-informed, attachment-based and play-based approaches. Our wider team of around 18 staff includes art psychotherapists, family therapists, positive behaviour support practitioners, support workers and admin. AkindaCo is a registered NDIS provider, registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which means our work meets national standards for safety and quality. Our Founder, Paula Gillespie, is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Adelaide.

How do I get started with Learn to Play or early childhood support at AkindaCo?

For families, contact AkindaCo and let us know your child's age, what you are noticing, and whether you are paying privately or using an NDIS plan. We will book an initial conversation and let you know when the next group is starting at our North Adelaide or Salisbury clinic. For early learning services, complete the Preschool Boost Booking Request Form on our website. Private clients do not need a referral. NDIS participants need active Capacity Building funding to use their plan.