As your child grows and begins their transition from early learning to primary school, you may be wondering: Is my child ready for school? At Community Kids Haven, we understand how important this next step is for both children and families. School readiness goes beyond knowing the alphabet or being able to count—it’s about preparing children socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively for a successful start to their school journey.

Here’s what school readiness really means and how to know if your child is on track.

What Does “School-Readiness” Really Mean?

School readiness refers to a child’s overall development and ability to cope with the demands of a school environment. This includes:

• Emotional regulation and social skills
• Basic independence and self-care
• Early language, literacy and numeracy awareness
• Physical coordination and motor skills
• Cognitive curiosity and attention span

It’s not about being able to read or write fluently before school—it’s about giving your child the tools to adjust, participate, and thrive.

Signs Your Child May Be Ready for School

Here are some of the key indicators educators and families look for when assessing school readiness:

1. Social & Emotional Skills

• Can separate from parents or carers with minimal distress
• Can manage feelings with support and start to self-regulate
• Can play cooperatively with others and take turns
• Understands rules and routines

2. Communication Skills

• Speaks clearly enough to be understood by unfamiliar adults
• Can express needs, ideas, and questions
• Listens to stories and follows simple instructions

3. Cognitive Skills

• Shows curiosity and a desire to learn
• Can focus on a task for short periods
• Recognises basic shapes, colours, letters, or numbers
• Can recall and retell parts of a story or event

4. Physical Skills

• Holds a pencil or crayon with control
• Uses scissors and other tools safely
• Has good balance and coordination (e.g., climbing, running, hopping)
• Can use the toilet independently

5. Independence

• Manages belongings like a backpack or lunchbox
• Can dress themselves (e.g., shoes, jumpers)
• Takes responsibility for basic tasks like tidying up

How We Support School Readiness at Community Kids Haven

Our kindergarten and preschool programs are designed to build school readiness in a natural, play-based way. Led by qualified early childhood teachers and educators, our program includes:

• Structured group activities to support attention and listening
• Social play to build friendships and resilience
• Language and literacy-rich environments
• Opportunities to explore science, numbers, and problem-solving
• Independence-building routines and self-help tasks

We work closely with families to provide feedback and support, so you feel confident that your child is on the right path.

Not Every Child Develops at the Same Pace

It’s important to remember that school readiness isn’t a checklist to complete—it’s a gradual process, and every child develops at their own pace. Some children may need extra time, support, or a second year of kindergarten to build confidence. That’s perfectly okay.

If you’re unsure whether your child is ready for school, our educators and centre directors are here to help with honest, informed advice.

Final Thoughts

Starting school is a big step, and preparing your child for it is a journey best shared between families, educators, and the community. At Community Kids Haven, we’re committed to giving every child the best possible start.

Want to know more about our school readiness programs or kindergarten rooms? Contact your nearest centre today to book a tour and meet our dedicated team.