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From Kindergarten to School



Starting school can be exciting and fun. Each child and family is unique. Some children will see new experiences as mostly exciting; while some may be a little hesitant. All children can be supported to make starting school as positive as possible. Starting school means change for families too. Kindergartens and schools will offer ways for families to get involved in the move to school.

In Victoria there are changes to how the move to school is supported. Early childhood services and schools are being encouraged to work closely in order to support children and families making the move to school. Activities in your local area might include information sessions, orientation programs or social events.

From 2010 every kindergarten parent will have the opportunity to develop a Learning and Development Statement in partnership with their child’s kindergarten teacher. These statements will help prep teachers understand aspects of your child’s development and interests that you, your child and the kindergarten teacher think are worth sharing with the prep teacher before school starts. As a parent, you can choose what information about your child should be shared.

You can expect kindergartens and childcare services with kindergarten programs run by members of KPV to have a strong understanding of what the move from preschool to school involves for you and your child. Ask your early childhood teacher for more information about the move to school.

Before school
  • Ask your kindergarten about activities that will help you to get involved in your child’s move to school e.g. information sessions, orientations programs or social events.
  • Has your teacher spoken to you about working together on a Learning and Development Statement for your child? Ask your teacher for more information? Remember, you can decide what information about your child is shared.
  • Have I chosen a school for my child?
  • Does my school have an Out of School Hours Care service? Can I register before the start of school?
  • If your child has additional needs, you may also wish to consider?
    • What support will the school give my child to learn and participate fully?
    • What additional supports will be available for my child?
  • Can I take my child to the school or playground myself to familiarise them with the environment?
  • If you can, try to get to know other parents and families whose children attend/will be attending the school.
 
Once school starts
  • Many families find unhurried morning routines the best way to start the school day – consider preparing clothes and bags the night before.
  • A quick hug and a calm goodbye can be a good way to say goodbye in the early days of school. Don’t leave without saying goodbye to your child. Tell your child when they will be picked up and, if possible, by whom.
  • Get to know other parents and families involved with the school.
  • Most schools will have many opportunities for parents to be involved at school. Talk to your teacher or school staff to see what’s possible at your school.
  • Try to develop an open conversation about your child’s experience of school and progress with the teacher.
  • The above are edited extracts from the KPV publication From Kindergarten to School. The full publication contains more information about:
  • Tips for choosing a school and out of school hours care.
  • Supporting your child to start school.
  • Suggestions for once school has started.
  • Strategies for successful parent–school communication.
  • Developing independence.
  • What will the school expect of my child?
  • Tips for parents whose children have additional needs.
  • Exploring child and parent feelings about starting school.
  • Transition Learning and Development Statements.

From Kindergarten to School is distributed by all KPV member kindergartens. Additional copies can be purchased from KPV for a small charge and postage.

More information for parents and children 
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (2009) Welcome to School

B. Perry & S. Dockett (2006) Our Family is starting School – a handbook for parents and carers Pademelon Press, New South Wales

For children starting school, Docket and Perry recommend the following children’s books:
  • Tom Goes to Kindergarten by Margaret Wild (this is a NSW publication where kindergarten is the term used for prep)
  • Kindergarten with Teddy Bear by Jacqueline McQuade.
  • Too big for your boots by May O’Brien.
  • I don’t want to go to school by Christine Harris.

 
 
 

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