If you have a playgroup (Language group) that encourages family (parents/grand parents) and sibling participation at the center, would that meet the natural environment guidelines?
In order for a play group to be considered a natural learning environment it should be a group that was not created for the purposes of therapy. It should be a group that children who are typically developing would naturally attend. Developing groups with peer models and/or allowing siblings to attend would not be consistent. In most cases, groups or other opportunities for child interaction occur within the community. If this is a priority of the parent, the early intervention service coordinator and/or practitioner should facilitate the child’s/family’s involvement in those types of learning opportunities. This may include attending with the parent and child to identify ways with the parent can promote the child’s participation in ways that have development-enhancing qualities.
