What to know before starting kindy in WA
There are many reasons why families may enrol their child in Kindergarten (Kindy). Enrolling in Kindy is not compulsory in Western Australia, but, in 2021, most parents are signing up their children to give them the best possible start in their learning journey.
Did you know?
In WA, Kindergarten entry is available to children as young as three and a half years of age upon commencement. This means that your child can begin Kindy in 2022 if they were born between 01 July 2017 and 30 June 2018.
There are several types of Kindy programs WA families can choose from: local Primary School programs, community Kindy, private childcare centres and private K-12 school options, such as Living Waters’ Kindergarten. Whilst each type of program might be called a ‘Kindergarten’, they can significantly differ in philosophy, environment or curriculum taught, giving families the opportunity to shape their child’s early learning journey from the beginning.
With so many options to choose from, what do parents need to know before enrolling their child in Kindy? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of things to consider before you choose a Kindy for your child.
When to start looking
Most parents start looking for a program in the first half of the year prior to their child’s commencement, however, there really is no wrong time to start. Regardless of what type of Kindy you want to enrol your child in, it’s important to know that, unlike Primary and Secondary school, there are no guaranteed places for Kindy in WA. Some Kindergartens will have waitlists, so being prepared early is recommended. You’ll be able to find out when applications open and close by contacting the centres and programs that interest you.
What to expect
Before you start your search, make sure to spend some time setting your own expectations for your child’s Kindergarten experience. What kind of environment and learning experiences do you want your child being immersed in each day? Is it important that your child has plenty of play or nature-based learning experiences? Is there a certain student to teacher ratio you are looking for, or a teaching and learning philosophy that resonates with you? How much do you want to be involved in the classroom? How important is it for you and your child to feel a part of a community? By narrowing down your preferences early, you’ll be more likely to make a decision that’s in line with goals you have for your child’s early learning education.
Identify your child’s needs
Nobody knows your child better than you do! There are a range of individual factors that might influence the best choice for your child. Perhaps your child craves direction and would benefit from a more structured approach to learning, whereas others are happy to learn in their own way. If they are full of energy, lots of hands-on, outdoors time could be a priority. Maybe a small class size is important if they require more social or emotional support to thrive. Take a moment to reflect on your child’s personality and how this aligns with your expectations for a kindy program.
Explore the classroom environment
A Kindy kid’s brain is always busy! During these foundational development years, it’s important that your child is exposed to a range of learning experiences and opportunities that help to develop their social and emotional competencies and prepare them for a lifelong love of learning. A well-designed and appropriately equipped learning space facilitates effective learning and naturally inspires your child to want to explore the world around them and engage with their learning. Is the classroom filled with light and bright colours that will inspire a curious young mind? When you venture inside, will your child feel welcome and safe? Are the facilities clean and tidy? How do the teachers and support staff interact with children and families? Do the children look like they are having fun? Online tours, photos, social media and a Kindergarten’s Prospectus can go a long way in helping to save time and narrow down your search before taking the next step and booking a tour of the school and getting a feel for the classroom.
Does it ‘feel right?’
Online pictures and videos are a great research tool for a busy parent, but the only way to really be sure if a Kindergarten is the right choice for your family is to experience it for yourself. Most Kindergartens will offer tours or trial days that give you the opportunity to experience what a day in the life of a Kindy kid is really like. If you’re looking for a warm and nurturing Kindergarten for your child commencing in 2022 or beyond, we invite you to come along to our free ELC Experience Afternoon on Thursday 14 October 2021 from 12.00pm-1.00pm. You’ll get to meet the teachers and find out more about life in Kindy at LWLC and how we prepare your child for a bright future from day one of their learning journey. Your child will enjoy a fun and interactive activity and be able to explore our vibrant ELC classrooms and adventure playground. Register now to secure your place.
Still unsure? Why not read our guide to choosing a school for more helpful hints and tips on making the right choice for your family.
