Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten: A NSW Parent’s Checklist
Starting kindergarten is a significant and exciting milestone for both children and their families. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and form new friendships. At Early Learners Hub, we believe that a confident start begins with gentle preparation and consistent support.
This checklist has been thoughtfully created for families in Shellharbour and surrounding areas to help make the transition from preschool to kindergarten as smooth and positive as possible.
1. Establish a Familiar Routine
Kindergarten introduces new routines and responsibilities. In the weeks leading up to your child’s first day, begin to establish a regular bedtime and morning routine. This helps create a sense of predictability and comfort as they adjust to their new environment.
Encourage your child to get dressed in the morning, enjoy breakfast at the same time each day, and follow a familiar sequence to prepare for their day. These small steps can make a big difference.
2. Encourage Independence
Supporting your child to develop everyday self-help skills can build confidence and resilience. This includes tasks like putting on their shoes, using the toilet independently, opening their lunchbox, and packing their own bag.
At Early Learners Hub, we nurture these skills every day through our play-based approach, helping children feel capable and ready to take on new challenges.
3. Support Social and Emotional Growth
Kindergarten is not just about academic readiness. It’s also about social development. Encourage your child to play with others, take turns, and express their feelings using words. Talking through different scenarios, such as asking a teacher for help or joining in a group activity, can also be helpful.
Our Preschool Program places strong emphasis on building friendships, resilience, and emotional wellbeing – all essential skills for a successful transition to school.
4. Help to Foster a Love of Learning
Simple activities at home can make a big difference. Reading together, singing songs, playing memory games, or counting steps on a walk can all support early literacy and numeracy in joyful, relaxed ways.
There is no pressure to “teach” at home, but make the effort to take every opportunity you can to explore, question, and talk with your child about the world around them.
5. Get to Know the New Environment
If possible, visit your child’s future school. Explore the playground, meet the educators, and attend orientation sessions if they’re available. Familiarity can ease anxiety and help your child feel more at ease on their first day.
We invite parents to get involved by booking a tour of Early Learners Hub. Touring the Centre is a wonderful opportunity to experience our programs in action.
If you have any questions about enrolment, orientation, our Frequently Asked Questions page is a great place to start.
We’re always here to help – because supporting families is at the heart of what we do.
6. Keep the Conversation Going
Your child may have questions or worries about starting school. Keep communication open and positive. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel unsure, and let them know that new experiences are part of growing up.
At Early Learners Hub, we walk alongside families through every milestone offering guidance, care, and a sense of community every step of the way.
A Confident Start Begins with Support
We know that the transition to kindergarten is a big step, but it’s one your child doesn’t have to take alone. Our Preschool Program is thoughtfully designed to support each child’s unique learning journey, laying the foundation for success at school and beyond.
Discover Explore our Learning Program and see how we prepare children for their next big adventure.
