Group Programs
Engaging Paediatric Group Programs
Learning alongside peers creates powerful opportunities for social growth, confidence, and connection. At LOTS4KIDS OT Service, our group therapy programs provide children with a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment to develop essential developmental skills while interacting with friends their age.
Why Choose Group Therapy?
While individual therapy builds foundational abilities, group therapy provides the social setting needed to practice those skills in real time. Group sessions encourage collaboration, shared focus, and resilience within an environment that mimics classrooms and playground settings.
Every group is carefully structured, goal-directed, and grounded in play-based learning. Guided by experienced paediatric occupational therapy professionals, children learn to navigate friendships, follow group instructions, and build lasting self-esteem.
Featured Group: School Readiness Program
Starting school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring new sensory, social, and academic expectations. Our School Readiness Program is specifically designed to prepare children for a smooth, confident transition into the classroom.
Key Skills Targeted:
- Classroom & Group Routines: Listening to multi-step directions, sitting in circle time, lining up, and transitioning smoothly between activities.
- Social Communication: Turn-taking, sharing materials, cooperative play, and asking for help.
- Fine Motor & Pre-Writing: Pencil grip, scissor use, hand strength, drawing shapes, and opening lunchboxes independently.
- Emotional & Sensory Regulation: Managing excitement and frustration, waiting for a turn, and staying calm in busy peer settings.
- Independence & Self-Care: Managing personal belongings, packing school bags, and practicing bathroom routines.
Upcoming Group Offerings
We continuously expand our group timetable throughout the year to cater to varying age groups, interests, and developmental stages:
Social Skills & Friendship Groups
Targeted sessions for building conversational skills, understanding body language, navigating team games, and developing healthy peer connections.
Motor & Movement Camps
High-energy, fun gross and fine motor circuits focused on hand-eye coordination, balance, core stability, and agility through active play.
Sensory Explorers & Regulation Workshops
Interactive sensory play groups where children discover how their bodies respond to input and practice proactive self-calming strategies alongside peers.
How Our Groups Work
- Small Group Sizes: We keep groups small to ensure every child receives individualised support and attention from our therapists.
- Thoughtful Peer Matching: Children are matched with peers of similar ages, developmental levels, and social goals to encourage natural connections.
- Therapy-Led Curriculum: Every week is planned with specific developmental objectives that build cumulatively toward real-world independence.
- Parent Summaries & Home Tips: Families receive practical feedback after sessions highlighting accomplishments and strategies to continue practicing at home.
Join an Upcoming Group
Give your child the skills and confidence to thrive in social and classroom environments. Get in touch to learn about our current schedule and reserve a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
We conduct a brief intake screening before placing your child to ensure the group setting aligns with their current emotional, social, and developmental goals.
Yes. Group therapy can be funded using self-managed and plan-managed NDIS plans under Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living or Increased Social & Community Participation).
Groups are scheduled across school terms and intensive school holiday blocks at convenient locations in Craigieburn and northern Melbourne.
