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.