DECEMBER 2025
Each year, as children begin their transition to school, I aim to provide families with as much emotional support and reassurance as possible, accompanied by published information to support them. Towards the end of the children’s kindergarten year with me, I am busy preparing the children emotionally for their transition to school, with group conversations, stories, online research, brainstorm sessions, and art experiences to explore the feelings and expectations around starting school.
Families also, need just as much support, particularly if they are about to send their eldest child to school and have not yet been through the process. Parents and children can face many overwhelming feelings and anxieties about the transition to school. I feel it is our role as early childhood teachers and educators to support our families and children as best we can, to ensure a smooth and positive transition to school, and introduction to school life.
Firstly, I communicate to families early in the year that they are able to enrol their child for school (Prep in Queensland) in term two or three. I inform families that their prospective school will have a transition program, with orientation visits and information sessions that they can attend. I usually display this poster to offer extra information: “Starting Prep in Queensland” Starting Prep in Queensland checklist
Secondly, I begin having informal and formal chats with families about their child’s readiness for school. If I feel their child is not ready for Prep, I will communicate this in a respectful and supportive way that emphasises their child’s wellbeing.
Thirdly, I provide families, usually at the beginning of term four every year, with an information package. This package contains printed material about children’s transition to school. I obtain this information online from my state’s education department. I present information such as:
- “Supporting your child with the move to Prep” Supporting your child with the move to Prep | Education | Queensland Government
- “Transition to school” StartingBlocks.gov.au
- “Positive transitions to school: Information for families” Positive transitions to school—information for families
Of course, I communicate to my families that I am available for a chat at any time, for any other information or support. Some families and children will breeze through this process, and others may appreciate me checking in on them every so often, and offering reassurance and positivity about the process. Every child’s journey into school life will be unique and requires unique support and guidance.
Leave a Reply