Connect Early
Connect Early programs and supports are here for children from birth to five years and the people who care for them. Our programs are located across the Blue Mountains, Penrith, Lithgow, Blacktown and Cumberland Local Government Areas. We offer welcoming supported playgroups, support at home, and assistance to connect families with the right services in their community. This may include early childhood education and care, family support, early intervention, disability services and other local supports that can help your child and family thrive.
Life with young children can be joyful, busy, rewarding and sometimes overwhelming. The first 2,000 days of a child’s life are especially important, as this is a time of rapid brain development and growth across physical, cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing. What children experience during these early years can shape their learning, relationships and health long into the future. Our experienced and caring team has supported families with young children for many years, and we are here to walk alongside you as you navigate the early stages of your child’s life.
Connect Early programs are proudly funded by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice’s Community and Family Support Program and the NSW Department of Education’s Start Strong Pathways Program.
Heatherbrae
Heatherbrae is a warm, welcoming space where parents and carers can bring their young children to play, connect with other families, and access support and information.
Drop in Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 am–1:30 pm, and Saturday, 11:30 am–1:00 pm.
Our facilitators provide support, early childhood information and resources, and fun activities for children. We also offer toys and resources to borrow, information about Connect and other community services, and regular groups and visiting services.
A Child and Family Health Nurse visits weekly on Wednesdays. Appointments are required—please book via 4751 0100
Come in and say hello, or contact us on 02 4759 1462.
Dad's Playgroup
Our Dads playgroup is at Heatherbrae in Lawson on a Saturday morning 10am -11:30am and is loved by many Dads and their children.
A space for Dads and their children to come together, play, read stories, get creative and enjoy some time together. It’s a relaxed opportunity for Dads to meet other Dads, chat, and share time with their children.
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 Play Supported Playgroups
For over 15 years, Connect has supported families across the Mountains through welcoming playgroups where children can play, learn and connect, while parents and carers meet other families and access community information.
Katoomba North Playgroup
Katoomba North Public School, Barton St, Katoomba.
Birth to 5 years
Tuesday–Wednesday: 9:30 am–1:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am–11:00 am
This program is available during school holidays.
We also support the Winmalee community through a Gateway-supported playgroup:
Winmalee OOSH (Pinaroo)
Wednesdays: 9:30 am–11:30 am
(During school terms)
Come along for play, connection and learning!
If you would like more information, please call
Heatherbrae — 02 4759 1462
Connect and Nurture
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 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 Nicole on 0452 335 893
Connect Hub Playgroups
Our Connect Hub Playgroups provide a welcoming, supportive space where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences and build confidence in their parenting journey. Guided by qualified facilitators, families have opportunities to learn and grow together.
For Parents and Caregivers
A safe space to share the joys and challenges of parenting
Practical strategies and guidance from early childhood professionals
Connection, friendship and community support
For Children
Social interaction in a positive, inclusive environment
Age-appropriate play and learning experiences
Activities that support development and school readiness
Additional Support Available
Our supported playgroups can be tailored to children with developmental concerns or delays, or families who would benefit from additional support and guidance. Specialist support may include occupational therapists, speech pathologists and behaviour support practitioners.
Hub Locations
Lethbridge Park Public School — Monday & Thursday, 9am–11am
Penrith South Public School — Tuesday, 9am–10:30am & Friday, 1:15–2:45pm
Tregear Public School — Friday, 9:15–10:45am
Colyton Public School— Thursday, 1:15–2:45pm
Cumberland — Wednesday, 9:30am–12pm
For more information, please call Shanna on 0404 206 195.
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