Connect Early
Our Connect Early services and supports are for children from birth to five years and their caregivers. These include supported playgroups, support at home and support to connect with other services in the community, including early childhood education and care, family support, early intervention and disability services as well as transition to primary school.
We all know that being with young children can be joyful and fulfilling and it can be challenging and peppered with anxieties. The first 2000 days of children’s lives are the most important period for their brain growth and is a critical time for physical, cognitive, social and emotional health. What happens in the first 2,000 days has been shown to have an impact throughout life. Our team of skilled and caring professionals have worked with families with young children for many years and are here to support you and your family as you navigate the early stages of your little one’s life.
Heatherbrae
Heatherbrae is a warm and inviting place for parents and carers to come with their young children to play, to connect with other families, to talk and to be heard. There is a warm cuppa, something to eat, and a free and safe environment for you and your child at Heatherbrae.
We offer a drop-in service Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 1:30pm, and on Saturdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm (during school terms)
Our facilitators are there to offer you support, provide early childhood education information and resources and to engage with children in playful activities.
There are toys and resources to borrow, information on Connect’s range of services as well as information on other community services.
We partner with other services to facilitate specific groups for our community, for example, First time Parents and Carers Kin and Co. We have a Child and Family Health Nurse attend weekly on a Wednesday to connect with our families of young children.
Come in and say hello or contact us on 02 4759 1462
Connect and Play
For over 15 years, Connect has facilitated Connect and Play playgroups across the Mountains. These groups have been a regular part of family life for many, providing a welcoming space where parents and carers can meet friends, children can play and learn new skills, community information is shared, and morning tea is enjoyed.
Now, our playgroups are centered at Katoomba North Public School, our main hub, offering families a consistent and friendly environment. Led by experienced Playgroup Facilitators, the sessions also help children and families become familiar with the school grounds and activities. We partner with Gateway Family Services for some sessions, ensuring fun and engaging activities for all.
The North Katoomba playgroup welcomes all families and children aged birth to 5 years and meets weekly during school terms:
Tuesday to Wednesday: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
We also continue to support the Winmalee community through a group at:
Winmalee OOSH (Pinaroo) –
Wednesday mornings 9:30 am – 11:30 am (during school terms)
Come and join us for play, connection, and learning!
Please contact Heatherbrae on 02 47591462 to find out more.
DADs and Kids Playgroup
Our Dads playgroup is at Heatherbrae in Lawson on a Saturday morning 10am -11:30am (during school terms) and is loved by many Dads and their children.
We have experienced male group facilitators who ensure the smooth running of this program each week.
There is space to play, read a story, do some art and craft, talk and enjoy a coffee while connecting with other Dads. We know it’s important for Dads to chat with other Dads about being a father/carer and a partner or just the chance to talk about everyday things.
If you would like to come along to Dad’s playgroup, please drop in or contact us on 02 4759 1462 for more information.
Connect and Nurture (CAN) Program
Being a parent can be challenging — and often harder than we expect. Connect and Nurture (CAN) offers a free home-visiting service for families with children aged 0–3 living in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGA.
Our trained volunteers are thoughtfully matched with families and visit the home for up to 2 hours per week, for a period of up to 6 months. During visits, volunteers offer practical and emotional support by helping with light household tasks, holding and comforting unsettled children, playing with children and siblings, sharing a cuppa, and offering encouragement to tired parents and carers.
Parents remain at home during each visit, and it’s often this genuine connection — feeling seen, supported and not alone — that makes a real difference to a parent or carer’s wellbeing. Families and volunteers alike consistently tell us how rewarding and meaningful their experience with CAN has been.
Connect and Nurture can also link families with a dedicated Family Support Worker for immediate support and referrals to a wide network of local community services.
If you would like more information, please call Heatherbrae on 47591462 and ask for the CAN program.
Start Strong Pathways Programs
The Start Strong Pathways program offers early childhood educational experiences for young children prior to enrolment to an early childhood centre. The program strengthens the engagement of children within these services, and helps promote the importance of early childhood education to families. This funding is provided by the NSW Department of Education.
Why is Early Childhood Education so important:
When children participate in structured, play-based learning before they start school, they build key social, emotional and cognitive skills necessary to support lifelong learning. Research has shown that all children benefit from attending Early Childhood Education before starting school. This is particularly so for children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage as it provides the opportunity for extra supports to be put in place before children are in the school setting.
Connect facilitates different programs under this funding to support these outcomes.
“Without Heatherbrae, I honestly don’t know how I would have coped… I really struggled with a little baby and a boisterous 3-year-old.”
Parent - Heatherbrae