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Tips for starting kindergarten

25 Jan, 2023

Wodonga brothers Stan and Mike Whelan are among the many children attending kindergarten this year.

Mike has started his learning journey at Southern Rise Children's Centre in the three-year-old class, while Stan returns in the four-year-old kindergarten program.

As we navigate a new school year, below are some tips on how to ensure your child settles into a new environment and encourage their start to education.

  • Talk to your child about what to expect and when you will pick them up.
  • Follow the kindergarten’s instructions about what to bring (e.g. sun hat, spare clothes).
  • Prepare the night before – lay out clothing you both agree on and pack their bag together.
  • Encourage your child to follow your morning routine and remind them of the next steps.
  • Talk to the kindergarten teacher about how you would like to settle your child.
  • If you are having trouble separating from your child, ask the kindergarten teacher or educators to help you.
  • Make sure you say goodbye – disappearing quietly can cause greater distress and mistrust.
  • Ensure you are on time at the end of the session to pick up your child.
  • Be enthusiastic and positive.
  • At the end of the day talk to your child about what happened during the day.

 

Free kindergarten funding has been rolled out to thousands of families across Victoria this year.

A 15-hour per week program is available to four-year-old children and a 5-to-15-hour program is available to three-year-old children each week.

Free Kinder is part of the State Government’s ongoing reform to early years education in Victoria.

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