Play and Learning

Play provides young children and babies a way to learn

Babies’ brains develop more in the first 1000 days of their life than at any other time. A stimulating environment and lots of playtime is essential for brain development, learning, health and wellbeing. Babies learn about themselves and their surroundings through play. They learn how to move, develop gross motor and fine motor skills, communicate, and socialise.

Pretend or imaginative play begins from the age of one. Imaginative play can help to improve language, social, cognitive and pre-literacy skills, and control emotions. Pretend play develops the building blocks of a child’s ability to learn for years to come.

If your baby has cerebral palsy, or is at risk of cerebral palsy, it is important to provide an enriched environment and interventions to support their learning, and development as early as possible. Play is an effective way to bond with your baby, learn, and, have fun together!

To learn more about how we can support you, please contact our friendly team

Call 1300 888 378

How we can help

What we help with

Assistive technology to support learning and play in the community or home.

Accessibility assessments including physical, communication and curriculum access for day-care.

Development of pretend play skills

Early home literacy experiences such as reading, singing and developing pretend play skills.
Evidence- informed interventions that promote learning and harness neuroplasticity.
Information about early learning, brain development and milestones.
How to create an environment for learning, including suggestions of toys, games and daily activities.
Links to resources and community supports.
Positive parenting and attachment.
Supporting nurturing relationships between babies and their families.

Who can help

At CPA our trained and dedicated staff are experts in supporting play and learning for babies and their families.

You can work with our:

Assistive technology experts
Occupational therapists
Physiotherapists
Speech pathologists

How we can help

We offer a blended model of services to meet the individual needs of babies and their families.

Appointments may be arranged:

At your local centre
In your home
In your local community
Or via Telepractice

Funding supports

If you have a funding package from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), we can work with you to maximise the benefits.

You can purchase supports using your:

Capacity Building budget
- Improved Daily Living (15)

Capital Supports budget
- Assistive Technology (5)
CPA Babies at Risk Program: A free short-term service provided by CPA, to children under 2 years of age, who have a diagnosis of, or are at risk of, Cerebral Palsy. Fundraising has made the program possible. The program aims to assist families in accessing NDIS funding. This service is in place until a NDIS plan is approved. Please contact CPA for information on what services are available under this short-term program.