PEERS FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS
The PEERS® Program for Pre-Schoolers is UCLA’s highly acclaimed social skills training, adapted for children aged 4–6. It is one of the only evidence-based interventions for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has also been shown to benefit children with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other social challenges.
Using fun, interactive methods—puppet shows, role-play demonstrations, and group activities—children learn practical, real-world skills and practice them at home each week. The program builds confidence and lays the social foundations children need to thrive at school and in daily life.
Skills Covered
Communication Skills
- Asking and using names
- Greeting friends
- Asking friends to play
- Asking for and offering help
Play & Cooperation Skills
- Sharing and taking turns
- Joining ongoing games
- Transitioning smoothly between activities
- Being a good sport
Emotional Regulation
- Listening and following directions
- Keeping calm during play
- Using appropriate volume control
- Respecting personal space and boundaries
Participation Requirements
- Children aged 4–6 years
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or other social challenges
- Consistently speaking in phrases or sentences of four+ words
- No significant behavioural concerns (e.g., aggression)
- Funding options: NDIS packages and Medicare rebates may apply
Why It Matters
Early childhood is a crucial time to support social development and emotion regulation. For children with ASD, ADHD, or anxiety, making friends and joining play can be extra challenging. This program gives neurodiverse children the tools to communicate, cooperate, manage big feelings, and build confidence, setting the foundation for long-term success at school and in life.
Proven Results
PEERS® for pre-schoolers has been studied internationally for over a decade, with research consistently showing:
- Improvements in social communication and friendship skills
- Better emotional regulation during peer interactions
- Increased parent confidence in supporting children’s social development.
Participation Requirements
- Children aged 4–6 years
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or other social challenges
- Consistently speaking in phrases or sentences of four+ words
- No significant behavioural concerns (e.g., aggression)
- Funding options: NDIS packages and Medicare rebates may apply
Why It Matters
Early childhood is a crucial time to support social development and emotion regulation. For children with ASD, ADHD, or anxiety, making friends and joining play can be extra challenging. This program gives neurodiverse children the tools to communicate, cooperate, manage big feelings, and build confidence, setting the foundation for long-term success at school and in life.
Proven Results
PEERS® for pre-schoolers has been studied internationally for over a decade, with research consistently showing:
- Improvements in social communication and friendship skills
- Better emotional regulation during peer interactions
- Increased parent confidence in supporting children’s social development.
Program Structure
Duration
12 weeks
Format
Weekly 90-minute sessions
Activities
Puppet shows, role-plays, group games, and social practice
Parent Involvement
Parents attend parallel coaching sessions to learn strategies that support skill practice and reinforcement at home.
How Can I Apply to Participate?
We’d love to welcome pre-schoolers into the program.
Book an initial consultation to confirm whether PEERS® for Pre Schoolers is the right fit for you or the schooler in your care.
PEERS® Social Skills Program for Preschoolers.
Building Early Social Confidence Through Guided Play
PEERS® for Preschoolers is an evidence-informed social skills program developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), supporting young children to build the foundational skills needed for positive social interaction and connection.
Through structured, play-based learning, children are guided to develop and practise social communication skills using engaging activities, role-plays, and parent-supported strategies. Learning extends beyond sessions, supporting children to apply these skills across home, early learning, and everyday social environments.
Is This the Right Fit?
This program may be suitable if your child:
- Finds it difficult to initiate or join play with other children
- Has difficulty with sharing, turn-taking, or cooperative play
- Becomes frustrated or overwhelmed in social situations
- Has difficulty following social rules or group expectations
- Would benefit from building confidence when interacting with peers
- Is preparing for school or adjusting to more structured settings
Skills Developed
Participants are introduced to foundational social skills across key areas:
Play and Social Interaction
- Asking friends to play and joining group activities
- Sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play
- Managing winning and losing in a positive way
Communication Skills
- Greeting others and using names
- Asking for and offering help
- Using appropriate voice volume and body boundaries
Emotional Regulation
- Staying calm during play and group activitiesc
- Managing frustration and transitions
- Following directions and group expectations
Friendship Foundations
- Building positive peer interactions
- Staying engaged in shared activities
- Developing confidence in social settings
Finding the Right Support
We understand that supporting your child’s early social development can feel important. Our team is here to guide you through the process, helping you understand your child’s needs and determine whether PEERS® for Preschoolers is the right fit, or recommend the most appropriate support option.
Ready to find the right support for your child's social development?
Contact our team to learn more or secure a place in the next PEERS® for Preschoolers group.