Is your child ready for 3yo kinder?
Starting Kindergarten is an exciting time for you and your child. Knowing if your child is ready to start kindergarten can sometimes be a difficult decision to make. The more independent and emotionally confident they are, the better equipped they will be to participate and enjoy the many social interactions with educators and their peers.
Whilst every child is different and each child develops at a different rate, parents need to seriously consider when is the right time to send their child to kindergarten. The ages of children attending the Three Year Old program can vary greatly. This is more apparent especially if your child is turning 3 during the first term of the year they commence 3 year old kindergarten. You may like to consider that approximately one third of the children will be nearly a year older and half of the group will be six months older.
Those families that have children born between February and April may like to contemplate enrolling their child for the following year, when their emotional and social maturity has developed further.
Other points to consider include:
Children who are 'just young' will not meet the eligibility criteria. So please consider carefully and ask yourself, 'What is the rush?'. We find that many parents who are unsure about their child’s readiness for school, seek pre-prep programs – unfortunately these are very limited in this area.
Whilst Three Year Old Kindergarten is open to all children who have already turned 3 or will turn 3 up until the end of April, here are a few more points to consider when making your decision whether they are ready to attend or not:
If your child is turning 3 between February and April and you do decide to defer your child's attendance, there are many other opportunities available locally to provide a stimulating and social environment for your child.
These include:-
If you would like to discuss your child's readiness with one of our teachers please do not hesitate to contact us on 9435 8694
Whilst every child is different and each child develops at a different rate, parents need to seriously consider when is the right time to send their child to kindergarten. The ages of children attending the Three Year Old program can vary greatly. This is more apparent especially if your child is turning 3 during the first term of the year they commence 3 year old kindergarten. You may like to consider that approximately one third of the children will be nearly a year older and half of the group will be six months older.
Those families that have children born between February and April may like to contemplate enrolling their child for the following year, when their emotional and social maturity has developed further.
Other points to consider include:
- Only a limited number of spaces are held for children who require a 2nd year of 3 year old kindergarten – a place is not guaranteed.
- School readiness: Deciding when to send your child to school needs careful consideration. Leaving this decision until 4 year old preschool requires meetings, documentation and a government application prepared by staff in collaboration with parents. Two identified developmental areas of delay are required for a 2nd year of funded 4 year old preschool.
Children who are 'just young' will not meet the eligibility criteria. So please consider carefully and ask yourself, 'What is the rush?'. We find that many parents who are unsure about their child’s readiness for school, seek pre-prep programs – unfortunately these are very limited in this area.
Whilst Three Year Old Kindergarten is open to all children who have already turned 3 or will turn 3 up until the end of April, here are a few more points to consider when making your decision whether they are ready to attend or not:
- Age
- Child's size and stamina (do they tire easily/ still require naps)
- Independent toileting
- Be able to eat their snack independently
- Understand and follow simple instructions
- Can they express their needs
If your child is turning 3 between February and April and you do decide to defer your child's attendance, there are many other opportunities available locally to provide a stimulating and social environment for your child.
These include:-
- The local library
- Playgroups
- Gymnastics
- Music workshops
- The local park
- Occasional Care
- Community Farms
- Swimming lessons
If you would like to discuss your child's readiness with one of our teachers please do not hesitate to contact us on 9435 8694
