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The PEERS® Social Skills Program
for Pre-Schoolers

SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAM | 4-6 YEARS

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.

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Children engaging in group learning activities
play-based learning
early social skills
PARENT coaching model
REAL-WORLD practice

Why This Program Matters

Early social development plays an important role in how children connect with others, engage in play, and participate in group settings. When social interaction feels challenging, it can impact a child’s confidence and willingness to join in.

PEERS® for Preschoolers provides a structured and supportive environment where children can safely learn and practise social and emotional skills - helping them build confidence, connect with peers, and feel more comfortable in social situations.

Program Details

  • Age Range 4–6 years
  • Eligibility Suitable for children experiencing social challenges, including Autism, ADHD and anxiety
  • Funding Options NDIS (Self and Plan-Managed), Medicare and private options available
  • Schedule Thursdays 9:00am - 10:30am (Terms 1 and 3)
  • get started Contact our team to learn more, discuss suitability, and secure a place in the next group

Who This Program May Be Suitable For

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 activities
  • 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

What Makes This Program Different

  • Evidence-informed program developed at UCLA
  • Play-based, developmentally appropriate approach
  • Use of puppets, role-play, and guided practice
  • Parent involvement to support consistency across environments
  • Neuroaffirming approach that values individual differences
  • Opportunities to apply skills across home and early learning settings

What You Can Expect

The program focuses on supporting children to:

  • Build confidence in social interaction and play
  • Develop communication and early conversation skills
  • Strengthen emotional awareness and regulation
  • Engage more comfortably in group settings
  • Build confidence in peer relationships

Program Structure

  • DURATION 12-week program
  • FORMAT Small group sessions (90 minutes) with parent involvement
  • APPROACH Structured, play-based incorporating role-play and guided practice
  • PARENT COMPONENT Parent coaching sessions and supported parent-child practice
  • PRACTICE BETWEEN SESSIONS Weekly home-based activities to reinforce skills in everyday settings

Research and Evidence

This program draws on a well-established evidence base in early social development. PEERS® for Preschoolers is informed by research exploring social skills development, emotional understanding, and parent-supported interventions in early childhood. Research in this area has found:

  • Improvements in children’s social communication and peer engagement
  • Increased caregiver confidence in supporting social development
  • Positive changes in family functioning and parent-child interaction
  • Maintenance of social skills over time following program participation

Studies conducted across clinical and community settings have examined the use of structured, parent-assisted approaches in supporting young children with social differences. Outcomes vary depending on individual factors, and participation does not guarantee specific results.

Parent Involvement

Parent involvement is a key part of the program. Parents attend dedicated coaching sessions and are supported to practise strategies with their child both during sessions and at home, helping to reinforce learning and support consistency across environments. No prior knowledge is required - our team will guide you through each step.

Delivery Options

This program is available through flexible delivery options:

  • FACE-TO-FACE (Mascot Clinic) Structured, engaging sessions in a supportive in-person environment
  • SCHOOL OR EARLY LEARNING Delivered in collaboration with educators to support application of skills in real-world 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.

Enquire About This Program Speak With Our Team

Feedback & Complaints

We are committed to providing a high standard of care and a positive experience for all individuals and families who access our services.

If something hasn’t met your expectations, we welcome your feedback. Sharing your concerns helps us understand your experience and make improvements where needed.

You are welcome to raise feedback directly with your clinician or contact our team using the form below. All feedback is taken seriously and will be responded to in a respectful and timely manner.

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