Preparing your child for preschool
There are many things you can do to get your child ready for preschool.
Enrol your child in preschool
Preschool helps prepare your child for school.
Your child's preschool class may be located on the school grounds. This helps as your child gets to know the buildings and grounds before they start school.
You can ask advice from your child's preschool about preparing your child for school.
For more information read about:
Encourage your child to be independent
Preschool is an important first step towards a child gaining their independence. There are tasks you can practice with your child to help develop their readiness for preschool, such as:
- pack and carry their school bag
- put on their shoes
- choose their clothes
- eat and drink without help
- go to the toilet on their own
- use tissues to blow their own nose
- recognise their belongings.
Have a daily routine
A daily routine can help your child prepare for early years of schooling.
Some ways you can set up a daily routine may include supporting them to:
- go to bed early
- wake up at a set time with time to get ready
- have a healthy breakfast
- prepare a healthy lunch, including items that may be in your child's lunchbox for school
- talk about what to expect during the school day
- make time for physical activities.
Be flexible, as it may take time for your child to adjust to their new routine.
Get to know their school
To support your child in getting to know their school, you can:
- show your child where the school is in relation to home
- walk to school a few times, if possible, even if you intend to drive
- ask the school if they have open days or activities for new starters
- ask the school if you can walk your child around the school and grounds
- ask the school what equipment and materials your child needs (most schools have a list)
- remember to label your child's possessions with their name
- check the school website.
Contact your school if you need more information.
Get involved with your school
Take an interest in your child's schooling, be positive and let them know it is important to go to school.
You can:
- meet the teachers
- let the school know if anything is affecting your child, including any concerns about your child’s development and/or if your child has any additional needs
- talk to other parents
- volunteer at the school
- read school newsletters and look at the school website.