- Program Details
- Useful Information
- Contact Us
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare your child for kindergarten.
In the weeks prior to commencement:
- be excited – talk about the wonderful things young learners do at kindergarten
- take your child in for an orientation session at kindergarten, point out how independent the children are
- meet other families who will be going to the kindergarten and organise play dates in preparation for the first day of kinder
- encourage and praise your child for good manners, good hygiene habits and dressing themselves
- read picture books or watch TV programs about kindergartens
- drive past kindergarten with your child and speak excitedly about it
- have your child label or write his/her name on all items that will be taken to kinder
- practice saying goodbye at the start of session and returning at the end of session
- children work best with a routine – prepare a visually appealing timetable outlining the steps to be followed on kinder days
- establish a positive sleep routine – young learners need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night
First day of kindergarten:
- explain to your child that you will say goodbye at the start of session and return at the end, just like you practiced
- be excited about the fun activities and new friends they will meet
- follow kindergarten information and instructions on packing your child’s lunchbox and what to bring
- if you’d like to linger at kindergarten on the first day to settle your child, have a chat with the kindergarten educators
- if your child has separation anxiety seek the assistance of the kindergarten educators
- say good bye to your child as practiced to avoid distressing them and don’t be late to pick them up
- on the way home discuss the day’s activities and who they met – be enthusiastic and excited for them!
What does my child need to bring?
- A bag or backpack with your child’s name on it;
- A broad-brimmed hat to wear in summer;
- A warm hat / beanie and coat in cool weather;
- A change of clothes. It is a good idea to send a full change of clothes in your child’s bag, including socks and underwear. Toilet trained children in a new environment may still have toileting accidents and most children prefer to change into their own clothes. Protective smocks are available for children to wear, but sometimes children can get wet or messy;
- A water bottle with your child’s name on it; and
- A snack box and a lunch box with your child’s name on it and food for your child.
Children are encouraged to eat when they are hungry rather than at set meal times. You are requested to supply a healthy snack and lunch and avoid packing food items containing nuts and eggs due to severe food allergies. This includes avoiding peanut butter and Nutella.
Some suggestions for healthy snacks and lunch include but are not limited to:
Rice paper rolls
|An example of a healthy lunch and snack:
Drink bottle with water
To support the Kindergarten in promoting healthy eating and lifestyles, we ask that you do not send unhealthy food items in your child’s lunchbox. Some examples of these are:
- Sweet biscuits
- Soft drinks
- Fried food
Please note that only water should be sent in your child’s drink bottle and no sweet drinks such as cordial or soft drink.
Transition to four year old kinder
Most of our children will make the transition from our 3 year old group into the 4-5 year old group the following year. Educators in both groups become familiar with all the children at the centre during the year to assist in a smooth transition. The staff also communicate regularly about the children and share information to assist in this transition.
In each year, there are usually children who may not be quite ready for the challenges of the 4-5 year old group and the Educators may suggest to parents a second year of 3 year old kinder. In most cases, it is simply a case of the child needing more time to mature and grow in confidence and we have had many successful experiences with giving a child the gift of ‘time’.
You are welcome to speak to the Educators at any time during the year to discuss your child’s progress. We can make a mutually agreeable time to meet, chat on the phone or email if you prefer. Please do not hesitate to make contact with us during the year, we are here to help and support you also.