PEERS® for Preschoolers
Building the foundations of play, sharing, and friendship — for children aged 4 to 6
PEERS® for Preschoolers is an evidence-based, parent-mediated social skills program developed at UCLA, designed for young children who could benefit from structured support to build early social and play skills. It's suitable for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, social communication difficulties, or a developmental delay.
Delivered via telehealth, PEERS® for Preschoolers is available to families anywhere in Australia — not just those local to Ballarat.
What the Program Covers
Young children learn foundational social skills through structured, playful sessions, including:
Sharing and turn-taking
Joining in and being included in play
Good sportsmanship — winning and losing gracefully
Handling teasing appropriately
Using appropriate voice volume and physical space with peers
Trading and negotiating during play
How It Works
Caregiver-coached — a parent or caregiver is coached directly by our clinicians and given practical strategies to use in the moments that matter most: playdates, playgroups, family gatherings, and everyday life at home.
Small groups, via telehealth — sessions are delivered in small groups, so families anywhere in Australia have the same access to this evidence-based program
Real-time reinforcement — this caregiver coaching isn't an add-on, it's a deliberate design feature: young children generalise new skills best when a trusted adult is actively coaching them in the moment, not through observation alone
Is This Program Right for Your Child?
PEERS® for Preschoolers may be a good fit if your child:
Struggles to share, take turns, or join in play with other children
Has difficulty being included by peers, or is often excluded
Reacts strongly to losing games or not getting their way
Would benefit from clear, structured teaching of play and social skills rather than informal learning through observation
Frequently Asked Questions
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PEERS® for Preschoolers is designed for children aged 4 to 6.
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Most participants have a diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, or a developmental delay, but a formal diagnosis isn't always required.
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Yes — active caregiver involvement is a core part of PEERS® for Preschoolers. You'll be coached directly so you can reinforce skills at home and in everyday settings.
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PEERS® for Preschoolers is delivered via telehealth in small groups, so families anywhere in Australia can take part.
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Request a call back below. We'll get in touch to talk through your child's needs and confirm whether PEERS® for Preschoolers — or another one of our programs — is the right starting point.
Build the Skills Needed for Meaningful Social Connection
