A supportive social skills program for students with mild intellectual disabilities, run at Cheltenham Community Centre. Sessions run on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 09:30–14:30.
Ongoing activity
8 Chesterville Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
A$265 per semester (concession available)
Social Wise is a welcoming, structured program designed to build social skills and confidence in students with mild intellectual disabilities. The sessions focus on everyday communication, manners, and positive behaviour in a friendly community setting that parents can trust.
Parents can expect a calm, predictable routine where children practice real-life conversations like greetings, sharing, and asking for help through guided activities and role-play. This community program is ideal for school-aged children who benefit from repetition and gentle encouragement to grow their social confidence.
The program takes place at Cheltenham Community Centre and is run by experienced staff who understand the needs of students with disability. It’s a practical, hands-on approach to developing social skills, relationship-building and community safety in a safe environment.
The classroom atmosphere balances fun with structure, using interactive activities such as 'morning talk' to help participants practise communication and non-verbal cues. Activities are paced for success and designed to reduce anxiety while promoting independence and self-awareness.
Sessions include teaching on body boundaries, self-care and how to respond in an emergency, all presented in accessible language suitable for school-aged learners. The emphasis is on building real-world skills that parents will notice at home and at school.
Staff encourage friendships and cooperative play, helping students generalise skills across settings so the social gains are visible in everyday life. This makes the program especially valuable for parents seeking meaningful development opportunities for their child.
The course covers a range of core topics with structured learning goals and practice opportunities. It’s ideal for families looking for social skills development that complements school learning and therapy supports.
Key topics and activities include:
- Morning talk and conversation practice
- Verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Manners, behaviour and relationship-building
- Self-care, body boundaries, community safety and emergency responses
Classes run Monday, Thursday and Friday from 09:30 to 14:30 during the program semester, with a semester fee and concession options. Sessions are suitable for school-aged children and tailored to individual needs where possible.
Sessions are held at Cheltenham Community Centre, 8 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham 3192, a community hub that’s accessible by public transport and has nearby parking. The centre is family-friendly and easy to find for local parents and carers.
Consider walking, cycling or using public transport where possible to reduce parking stress; the venue is close to local bus routes. Staff can advise on drop-off and pick-up procedures to make transitions smooth for children with additional needs.
The Cheltenham Community Centre provides a familiar community space where children can practise social skills in a supportive environment. Parents can often stay to observe or liaise with staff about progress and strategies to use at home.
This program is aimed at students with mild intellectual disabilities and focuses on enhancing social communication, behaviour and community participation. Parents should inform staff of any specific support needs, medical conditions or communication preferences when enrolling.
Sessions are structured and supervised by trained staff; please bring any relevant documentation or support plans so staff can best accommodate each child. If your child uses aids or therapies, discuss how these can be integrated into the session for continuity of care.
Please arrive slightly early for your child’s first session to complete any necessary paperwork and help them settle in. Consistent attendance will maximise benefits, and staff welcome regular feedback from parents about home generalisation of skills.
Cost: A$265 per semester with concession available. Places are limited each semester, so early booking is recommended to secure a spot for your child at Cheltenham Community Centre. Payment and concession details are provided at the time of booking.
To book or enquire, contact the centre directly via the website or phone for up-to-date semester dates and availability. Parents are encouraged to ask about concessions and any available support funding or referral pathways to make the program more affordable.
Refund and cancellation policies vary by semester; check the booking page or contact staff for guidance. The centre staff can also advise on waiting lists and future semester options if immediate placement is not available.
