Starting preschool is a big step for children and parents. Many families assume being ready means a certain age, being toilet trained, or knowing letters and numbers. In reality, preschool readiness is mostly about confidence, communication, emotional regulation, and daily routines.

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At Quakers Hill Kindergarten and Child Care Centre, we support children through a calm, nurturing environment with strong educator relationships and a school readiness focus that helps children transition confidently.

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Below are preschool readiness signs parents often miss, plus simple ways to build readiness at home.

What Preschool Ready Really Means

Preschool readiness is not about being perfect. It is about your child being able to:
• Feel safe with other adults (educators)
• Engage with other children in their own way
• Follow simple routines
• Communicate needs (even with gestures)
• Keep trying after small setbacks

Children reach these milestones at different times, so readiness is best viewed as a range.

10 Preschool Readiness Signs Parents Often Miss

1) They can separate after a short warm up

Your child does not need to separate instantly without tears. A strong sign is when they can settle with comfort and return to play after reassurance.

Try at home: Practise short separations, such as a playdate drop off or time with grandparents.

2) They show curiosity, even if they do not sit still

Some children learn best through movement and hands on exploration. Readiness can look like:
• Asking lots of questions
• Exploring with hands
• Watching others and copying

Curiosity is a powerful early learning skill.

3) They can follow one instruction most of the time

Readiness can be as simple as:
• Shoes on please
• Put your cup on the bench
• Come to the table

Following one instruction is a great foundation for group learning.

4) They are starting to recover from small disappointments

Preschool involves waiting, sharing, and taking turns. A subtle sign is when your child can recover after:
• Not getting the first turn
• A tower falling down
• Being told not right now

Big feelings are normal. Progress is what matters.

5) They can communicate needs in any way

Readiness is not perfect speech. It is being able to express:
• Hungry or thirsty
• Toilet or nappy needs
• Help or discomfort
• Stop or no

Words, pointing, and gestures all count. Preschool supports communication growth quickly when children feel safe.

6) They show interest in other children, even from a distance

Not every child is instantly social. A commonly missed readiness sign is parallel play:
• Playing near other children
• Watching games
• Copying activities

This is often the first stage of friendship building.

7) They can join basic routines with support

Preschool routines include:
• Packing away
• Washing hands
• Group time
• Mealtimes
• Rest time

If your child can participate with encouragement, they are building readiness.

8) They have stamina for a half day out of the house

Sometimes the biggest barrier is fatigue. A readiness sign is when your child can manage:
• A morning out
• A regular weekly activity
• A structured routine without melting down early

If your child tires easily, starting with fewer days can help.

9) They are trying to be more independent

This is a major predictor of a smooth transition. Look for:
• Me do it
• Attempting shoes
• Trying to pour water
• Helping tidy up

Independence grows through practice, not pressure.

10) They are learning toileting steps, even if not fully trained

Many families delay preschool due to toilet training. Children can still be ready if they:
• Show awareness of wet or dirty nappies
• Indicate they need to go
• Are comfortable sitting on the toilet
• Can follow toileting routines with support

Our educators work with families to support consistent routines in a positive way.

A Quick Preschool Readiness Checklist (Save This)

Your child is likely ready if they can do most of the following with support:
• Separate from a parent after reassurance
• Follow simple instructions
• Communicate needs (words or gestures)
• Join routines (hands, pack away, group time)
• Engage near other children
• Recover after small disappointments
• Show curiosity and willingness to try

If you are unsure, a tour can help. Seeing your child in the environment often makes readiness much clearer.

How Quakers Hill Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Supports Preschool Readiness

Every child transitions differently. Our approach focuses on:
• Strong educator relationships and personalised care
• Predictable routines that build confidence
• Play experiences that support early literacy and numeracy foundations
• School readiness skills, including independence, communication, and social confidence
• A calm environment where children can thrive at their pace

As a local Quakers Hill centre, we partner closely with families so children feel supported from day one.

When in Doubt, Look for Progress Not Perfection

If your child is showing small steps forward, even with big feelings, that is normal development. Preschool is designed to help children grow these skills in a supportive environment.

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If you would like to talk about your child’s readiness, we invite you to book a tour at Quakers Hill Kindergarten and Child Care Centre and chat with our team about the best start plan.

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Call: (02) 9626 3068

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