Preschool families are invited to attend a St Nicholas Early Education transition to school evening at their local centre. Hosted by the center’s preschool team of educators, these evenings provide insights into the elements and approaches of St Nicholas Early Education’s transition to school program.
The evening allows parents and carers to connect with their team of preschool educators and also representatives from local primary schools. Giving space to ask questions and become familiar with the primary school setting. Partnering with families is core to the St Nicholas Early Education philosophy and this experience is one way in which educators connect with families on this important milestone to guide them in supporting their child’s transition and also understand what matters most to families.
What can you learn at a transition to school evening?
Each St Nicholas Early Education centre shares with families a tailored agenda of their program highlighting the key elements that support children in becoming confident and excited to start primary school. Our program is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF), focusing on children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills to prepare them for the next stage of their learning journey. With three key elements to the evenings agenda, you can learn about:
What’s involved in the program
During the evening, St Nicholas Early Education’s preschool team of educators will share with attendees key elements of their centre’s transition to school program, including how these key focuses benefit their child. These can include:
Local primary school visits
Where centres are co-located or within proximity to local primary schools, St Nicholas Early Education’s preschool learners are able to visit to explore and experience key amenities, libraries, canteens, recreational areas, classrooms and more. It is an opportunity for preschool children to build familiarity with the primary school setting and meet kindergarten teachers and support staff who will be there to support them from day one of kindergarten. The preschool team will share an overview of the excursions you can expect to see throughout your child’s time in the preschool program.
In-centre practices
Learning through play provides preschool children with the opportunity to explore and grow at their own pace. Applying a flexible and adaptable program, reflective of each child’s needs, children are engaged in literacy, STEM, creative arts, social skills, physical activity and more. Your centre’s team will share some of the key in-centre learning experiences that your child will be engaged in as they prepare for primary school.
Tips from educators
Educators have a wealth of experience in supporting and guiding children as they transition from early education to primary school. At this meeting, your team of educators will share with you ways that you can support and guide your child in making the transition. These suggestions not only mirror the teachings at St Nicholas Early Education but they also come from the expertise of the educators.
Guest speakers
St Nicholas Early Education partners with local primary schools to support children in successfully transitioning from early education to primary school. These evenings are not only a chance to connect with your preschool team of educators, but also the representatives from local primary schools. As a parent/carer, it is an invaluable opportunity to connect and ask questions to draw insights.
What to ask at a transition to school evening:
Here are five questions that you might ask at your transition to school evening:
- What independent skills can I foster within my child?
- What might you be doing at St Nick’s that I can do at home with my child?
- Which strategies are used to support my child in managing big emotions?
- How can I support my child in feeling ready to begin primary school?
- How will I know my child is ready for primary school?
