As we near the end of any year, our thoughts are beginning to turn to Preschool graduations, school transitions and the possibilities that next year can bring.

However, for many Families with Preschool aged children, this period may also bring with it a little anxiety. Compared to previous years, many Providers have had to modify their school readiness program to accommodate the interruptions and additional requirements that COVID-19 brought with it.

More than other years, Families will be asking the question ‘How will you ensure my child is ready to transition to Primary School?”

And it’s important that as Educators and Early Learning Providers, we have the answers.

Here our team at Enrolment Hub a childcare management services company explains just how we can all prepare children for school in a post COVID-19 environment.

Firstly, what do we mean by ‘school readiness’?

When we talk about school readiness, we’re talking about whether a child is holistically ready to make an easy and successful transition into Primary School. Whilst many Families see this through an academic lens (e.g. writing their name, counting to 10 etc), school readiness refers to a far wider range of skills.

In addition to the academic basics, school readiness skills also include self-care (independent toileting and using lunch boxes), attention and concentration, physical skills (having the endurance to sit upright for an entire school day), emotional regulation, language skills and importantly, social skills.

Without these basic skills already established prior to entering Primary School, children can very quickly find themselves playing a hard game of ‘catch up’ compared to their peers that are advancing more quickly. “Children that begin school with a strong foundation of skills in place advance quickly as opposed to those that start school only to then begin the slow process of developing school readiness” says Child Psychologist, Andrew Greenfield.

 

So how can you prepare children for school in a post COVID-19 environment?

It’s safe to say that things look a little different at the moment. COVID-19 altered our daily lives and the way in which we interacted with each other. This upheaval continued in various ways for many families.

So, it’s time to revise your school readiness program to ensure you’re able to continue to provide the children in your care with the skills they need to transition not only smoothly, but successfully, to Primary School in what has been a  chaotic time for them.

How do we do that?  

 

Routines and Safety
We need to continue to place our focus on ensuring that children feel safe. Whilst it might be tempting to try and cover lost ground quickly, it’s important that our focus remains on providing a predictable, stable environment for children – such as the environment found as part of a centre-based early learning program.

Returning to a familiar routine will help children to settle back into care – this includes routines supporting children to build their independence, such as opening lunchboxes and unpacking bags, which will be important skills at Primary School.

 

Focus on social and emotional learning
Focusing on social and emotional learning will be crucial for many children who have missed the opportunity to build strong relationships with Educators and other children for a period of time. The ability to socialise, build friendships and communicate appropriately are key skills children will need when they transition to Primary School.

Talking and learning to express emotions will help children to communicate how they are feeling and assist with conflict resolution, sharing, friendship building and emotional confusion. Don’t forget, being able to share and take turns is no easy task for a little one. Getting along with others is a developmental quality that encourages cooperation and establishes relationships.

 

Think about what you can do differently
Be realistic and don’t expect to do it all. Think about which aspects of your school readiness program can be changed to respond to the current circumstances. Can you do things differently? What will you need to facilitate this? Brainstorm as a team to implement small changes to your program and daily routine in-line with the new normal.

Look at your current processes as well, you might see that learning opportunities are already occurring. For example, children being dropped at the front reception (rather than the early learning room), has enabled many children to grow in independence and be more comfortable entering a classroom.

 

Maintain strong connections with Families
Work with Families to support access to other services if they need help. The effects of COVID-19 will affect Families in different ways and at different times.

COVID-19 is likely to increase childhood disadvantage, with more Families needing to access financial, health and social support, so maintaining strong connections and communications with Families is vital.

 

Work with your local Primary Schools
Primary Schools understand all too well the impact of COVID-19 on children’s learning. Speak with your local schools to understand how you can work together to support the incoming class – and how you can help children to become familiar with their new school when they may not be able to visit in person.

As Educators, we play a key role in supporting children’s transition to school, including preparing transition statements that can help schools to understand where children may require extra support.

 

Support the home learning environment
It’s all about quality versus quantity. Parents need help to understand not only the building blocks necessary to develop school readiness but how to effectively support children’s learning at home.

Making Families aware of the breadth of School Readiness requirements can help, so here is a great resource that outlines the building blocks of a comprehensive school readiness program for them.

Can school readiness work at home?

As we know, developing a comprehensive school readiness program is not for the faint-hearted. If you have Families considering preparing for school at home, NOW is the time to open those lines of communication and start talking about your school readiness program and why it will prepare children holistically for that big transition to Primary School. Our team can help make these calls for you to help ease that time burden.

It’s a tough time for many Families, so if your Families are firm on their desire to home school, our team have compiled a range of resources you can provide to Families to continue to keep them engaged with School Readiness at home and prepare their children for the transition to school.

• Leor Home Learning: School Readiness in self isolation
• Get Ready for School Australia: Complete School Readiness Program
• Community Early Learning Australia: Preparing 4-year olds for school during COVID-19
• ABC Australia: Preparing for school at home
• Victorian Department of Education and Training: Learning from home information for parents
• Raising Children Network: How play helps child development and Preschoolers at play.

What does the future have in store?

 

With this forward-thinking momentum already occurring for many Families, if you’re not already well into the process of confirming all enrolments – you should be!

We know that this can be an arduous, complex, and overwhelming task for many Centre Managers which is why our team are here to help you.

We develop a process that suits not only your Families but also your Centre team to ensure this re-enrolment process is a success and occupancy is maximised into the New Year.

Let us take on the administration burden of re-enrolling your Families and back-filling those newly created position for you. Don’t fall behind your competitors!

Get in touch with our team today on (02) 8123 2300 or email Managing Director Jane Monaghan (also known as our New Year Re-Enrolment Guru) at jane@enrolmenthub.com and also take a look at all of the childcare centre services we offer.

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