An Introduction To School Readiness At OAC

What is school readiness?

School readiness is a series of experiences, discussions and learning opportunities that prepares children for the change from Preschool/Kindergarten to Primary school.

It is more than a program or planned events, it’s a connection between the home, early learning centre and school.

What does the research say?

Preschoolers live in a rapidly transforming environment where technological developments are altering the learning and skills that they need to acquire. Children now require an additional set of capabilities in preparing them not only for school but for life. Critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity are now seen as essential learning dispositions and the new basis for 21^st century learning.

Social competence is critical to a positive transition to school experience. Exposure to pre-literacy and numeracy supports positive dispositions in preparing children for future school learning.

Only About Children’s Grow Kindergarten/Preschool curriculum has been developed based on the most current research and is our comprehensive curriculum that will not only ensure the best possible preparation for school but life skills responsive to future learning.

How do you know when a child is ready for school?

Previously, school readiness was understood in one of two ways:

1. It was either simply assumed on the basis of chronological age, and children were admitted into school when they reached the designated age; and
2. It was thought of in terms of specific skills and competencies that could be measured and assessed against established norms and standards.

More recently, a rethinking of what constitutes school readiness has occurred with an increasing understanding of the importance of the development of the whole child, and the formative influences of the early years of childhood.

Current research highlights the importance of considering all aspects of a child’s development when considering school readiness.

Let’s explore this as we look at school readiness at Only About Children.

What is school readiness at Only About Children?

At Only About Children our Preschool & Kindergarten 2 year school readiness program is a unique approach that goes beyond education to encompass the health, social development and total wellbeing of every child in our care, whilst providing the flexibility of long day care hours to meet the different needs of families. The OAC school readiness program:

• Sits across all Early Years Learning Framework and Only About Children learning outcomes.
• More than just a program that we offer.
• OAC prepares children for school throughout their time at Only About Children.
• A holistic approach to the preparation for the next stage of a child’s learning journey.
• A play-based, project learning inspired curriculum supporting a positive transition to school throughout that year.
• Considers and responds to each child’s individual learning and development.
• Educators and families working together to support the aspirations for each child’s learning.
• Building connections with the local school communities to develop strong foundations for children and their families.
• Unique to Only About Children, in the year before going to school, we deliver a dedicated ‘Ready for School’ learning opportunity known as the OAC Ready for School Project.

What is the difference between Only About Children and school?

The main differences between a Preschool/Kindergarten setting and school are:

• The size and layout of the classroom.
• One teacher responsible for the whole class of children.
• The requirement to sit at a desk for longer periods of time.
• Larger playgrounds and mixing with children of various ages.
• New rules and routines to learn.
• New group of children.
• Wearing a school uniform.

What can you do to support a positive transition to school?

The year before school:

• Ask your child what they think about starting school.
• Encourage your child to ask questions about going to school.
• Help your child stay healthy. Make sure they have regular Health and dental checks and keep immunisations up to date.
• Encourage your child to do things on their own. This could be dressing, going to the toilet, washing their hands, unwrapping their food and opening and closing their drink bottle and lunchbox.
• Talk to friends and other families about what school is like.
• Talk to your child’s early childhood educator about things you can do at home to help your child.
• Talk to the school about how you can engage in your child’s learning and development at school.
• Take time to explore feelings children have about school.

For further tips & advice on what you can do at home in the lead up to your child starting primary school, read our article on Supporting the School Readiness Journey.

You can find more information about school readiness and Only About Children’s preschool/kindergarten programs here:

Session 2 – Grow With Us – School Readiness – Supporting The School Readiness Journey

Session 3 – Grow With Us – School Readiness – How Can I Tell If My Child Is Ready For School?

Our Preschool & Kindergarten Programs

2 Year School Readiness