PEERS Social Skills Groups
What is a PEERS Social Skills Group?
Peers is a social skills program out of ULCA created by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. There are varying programs for all ages! We offer 2 ages groups: PEERS for Preschool (ages 4-6) and PEERS for Elementary (ages 7-11). PEERS targets specific skills that children need to be able to make and maintain friendships! Through this unique and structured program, each week a new age appropriate skill is introduced and then practiced by the children. Parent participation is required as part of the program,
PEERS for Preschool (ages 4-6)
This group meets for 16 sessions (11 summer sessions), exploring a variety of preschool appropriate social skills. Each group begins with a puppet show demonstrating the new skill. Children then participate in a 2 common games, such as Musical Chairs or Simon Says, to practice the new skill. The last part of the group includes the parents coming in and coaching their child on playing a board game such as Connect Four with 1 or 2 other children and their parents. The parents are provided with support from a parent coaching card as well as a PEERS certified adult.
Parents can pay per session, per month or for the entire course.
PEERS for Elementary (ages 7-11)
This group meets for 16 sessions (11 summer sessions), exploring a variety of age appropriate social skills. Each skill is introduced and practiced through a variety of games.
Some skills that will be practiced: Starting a conversation, maintaining a conversation, joining in a conversation, how to handle teasing, how to handle bullying, and more!
Parents can pay per session, per month or for the entire course.
Parent Only Online Group
Parents of preschoolers who don’t yet qualify for the group, or who prefer to work with their child on their own, can join our Parent Only group. This group will take place via Zoom at a parent friendly time. This group will also coincide with the skills being offered in the PEERS for Preschool group. Parents will be provided with coaching materials, sample puppet shows, and additional information about how to find appropriate play dates for your child and how to inform other parents of your child’s struggles, whether on the spectrum, ADHD, or just needing more support in social situations.
Parents can pay per session, per month or for all 16 weeks. This course is included as part of the PEERS for Preschool group and pricing if their child is enrolled.