Supporting your child's transition to preschool
Find resources and tips to help you support your child to start preschool and thrive.
We know that a positive start to a child's education can help them become lifelong learners.
To support you, we've developed a number of resources to help you:
- support your child in their transition to preschool
- encourage a love of learning in your child's early years of education.
Transitioning to preschool
Our Preschool Pathways Program helps you support your child in their transition to preschool.
The program acknowledges:
- parents and carers as their child’s first, and most important, teacher
- the importance of a smooth transition
- that a successful transition will look different for every child.
Watch our video about the Preschool Pathways Program.
What is the Preschool Pathways Program?
The Preschool Pathways Program is designed to assist parents and carers to support their child in the transition to preschool.
Change is a part of our everyday lives and your child is about to embark on an important change - transitioning to preschool.
You know your child best. You are their first teacher and you play an important role in helping them on their education journey.
The Preschool Pathways map and supporting resources guides parents and carers through steps towards a successful transition and will help you to understand what to expect from the preschool year.
There are many things you can do with your child before they start to support their transition. Read about some activities you can do at home.
‘What do we need?’. Each school will have different requirements. Read about how you can prepare some of the essentials.
‘Let's go to Preschool’ offers strategies for supporting your child to settle in and feel secure from day one.
‘Making Friends’ explores how you can support your child to develop the skills needed to build relationships and friendships.
Find out how your child's preschool will support them to learn through play.
A successful transition will look different for each child. Read about some things to keep in mind.
‘Getting Involved’ explores how you can engage in your child's learning to support their transition.
Talking with your child's preschool about support they may require as early as possible will help to ensure a smooth transition for all.
When we all work together to support children through transitions, we help them to feel secure, confident and connected as they take the next step on their learning journey.
Go to the Education Directorate website to learn more.
Our Preschool Pathways map and supporting resources guide you through this important time.
The map includes advice on:
- things to do before starting preschool
- what your child needs for their first day
- how to help your child make friends and build relationships
- play-based learning
- getting involved at preschool
- finding the right support.
The program is supported by 4 Preschool Pathways Partners. They support children starting preschool or school with developmental delays, disability or diverse learning needs. Contact us to find out more.
Resources to download
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Supporting your child's transition to preschool YouTube video
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Preschool Pathways map [PDF 700 KB]
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What is the Early Learning Years Framework [PDF 205 KB]
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Talking to your child about their day [PDF 190 KB]
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Great books to read with your child [PDF 1.1 MB]
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Connecting transitions in the ACT interactive map [PDF 2.3 MB]
Other resources and support
To help you support your child's learning from birth to age 5, we've developed:
- an overview of the ways you can support your child at each stage of their early learning years. It includes links to local providers, resources and further reading
- a resource with ideas for play-based learning activities you can do at home.
Resources to download
Contact us
Contact us if you have questions or want to find out more.