School Readiness Program
School Readiness at Little Miracles
At Little Miracles, we take school readiness seriously and believe that it begins from the very first day a child enters our care. Regardless of age, we strive to equip every child with the necessary skills to transition to school with ease.
To achieve this goal, we have developed a unique transition to school program called Flying Start. The program focuses on specific skills that are crucial for a child’s success in Kindergarten. We offer this program for six months before your child starts school, ensuring that they are fully prepared for the next stage of their education.
Our approach to school readiness is comprehensive and multi-faceted. We believe that it is not only about teaching children letters and numbers, but also about developing social and emotional skills, effective communication skills, self-help and independence, a positive disposition towards learning, gaining confidence to try new things, and participating in group learning experiences.
Our experienced educators understand that each child is unique, and they use a range of age-appropriate methods to help children develop these skills. For instance, we use storytelling to help children understand and manage their emotions, teach them problem-solving skills through group activities, and encourage them to practice self-help skills such as dressing themselves.
We are committed to preparing your child for the challenges of school by providing a comprehensive approach to school readiness. Our Flying Start program, along with our focus on social and emotional development, effective communication, and self-help skills, ensures that your child is fully prepared to thrive in Kindergarten and beyond.
Skills Learned In Our School Readiness Program
Social and emotional skills
Effective communication skills
Development of self-help and independence
A positive disposition towards learning
Gaining confidence to try new things
Being part of a group learning experience
Loving Literacy
At Little Miracles, we are very proud of our Loving Literacy Approach. It is holistic way of engaging children with early literacy experiences has been developed over many years of experience and draws from evidence based research. Little Miracles is passionate about inspiring a love for communication in all its forms – in our Educators, Families and Children.
Our view of literacy is that it is emergent in children, which means it begins at birth. We believe that children’s knowledge about literacy is built through experiences with speaking and listening, songs, drama, early writing experiences and carefully designed games and activities that support the development of phonemic awareness. We believe that children learn best through a play based approach and that children all develop at their own pace, which is why we strive to provide a learning environment with rich experiences and interactions everyday.
By engaging with and delivering the Loving Literacy Approach all educators will be able to provide:
A Literacy Enhanced Environment
We provide a literacy-enhanced environment that encourages children to explore language and communication through play at all ages.
Support Literacy In All Modes
We believe in supporting literacy in all its modes, including talking, listening, viewing, dance and drama, as well as technological and critical thinking skills.
Confident Delivery of Phonics-Based Reading Program (TYTTR)
Our phonics-based reading program, called TYTTR, is delivered with confidence and is adjusted to the age range and abilities of children through play-based activities. We provide a range of resources and games to support children’s learning and ensure they have fun while developing their literacy skills.
Embedded Language and Communication Experiences
We provide opportunities for children to practice their communication skills throughout the day, such as during storytime, circle time, and play-based activities. By embedding language and communication experiences, we help children develop the skills they need to express themselves, communicate effectively, and understand others.
Acknowledging Children’s Home and Community Experiences
Valuing children’s home and community experiences helps them understand diversity and fosters a sense of belonging and community. At Little Miracles, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports children’s social and emotional development while preparing them for school and beyond.
Flying Start: Transition To School Program
Flying Start is a unique transition to school program offered at Little Miracles that is specifically designed for older children. The program runs during term 3 and 4 in the year prior to your child starting school. Our aim is to extend children’s existing knowledge and help them build abilities, confidence, and behaviours that will support them during the transition into school, giving them a “Flying Start.”
The program comprises a range of carefully designed activities and experiences that build on the play-based learning your child has already been doing, but in a more structured format similar to what they will experience in Kindergarten.
Some of the key components of the program include:
Being a member of a group learning experience being led by an educator.
- Games with a higher level of structure and rules to follow.
- Social problem solving abilities.
- Cognitive problem solving and early numeracy skills.
- Being independent in looking after themselves and their belongings
- Literacy-enhancing activities that will scaffold children towards conventional literacy and involves phonics and early reader books.
- Fine motor skill activities that encourage children’s writing, cuing and creating abilities.
By choosing to enrol at Little Miracles, you really are equipping your child to be the most prepared they can be for school. Our children develop literacy skills that speak for themselves with over 92% of children reading at level 1 or above when they start school and these records are available to be passed onto your childs teacher as they start school.
View Our Preschool Locations
FAQs About Our School Readiness Program
What does school readiness mean?
School readiness means that a child has developed the necessary skills to transition smoothly to the next stage of their education. These skills include not only academic knowledge but also social and emotional skills, self-help skills, and a positive disposition towards learning.
How does Little Miracles prepare children for school?
At Little Miracles, we prepare children for school through our comprehensive approach to school readiness. We focus on a range of skills, including social and emotional development, effective communication, self-help skills, and group learning experiences. Our Flying Start program also provides specific skills that are crucial for success in Kindergarten.
How long is the Flying Start program?
The Flying Start program runs for six months before your child starts school. This program ensures that your child is fully prepared for the challenges of Kindergarten.
How do educators at Little Miracles help children develop school readiness skills?
Our educators use a range of age-appropriate methods to help children develop school readiness skills. We use storytelling to help children understand and manage their emotions, teach problem-solving skills through group activities, and encourage children to practice self-help skills such as dressing themselves.
When should I start thinking about school readiness for my child?
It’s never too early to start thinking about school readiness for your child. Even infants can benefit from activities that promote social and emotional development. However, it’s especially important to start preparing for school readiness at least six months before your child starts Kindergarten.
What if my child has special needs or requirements?
At Little Miracles, we believe in inclusivity and have experience in supporting children with a range of needs and requirements. We work closely with families to develop individualized plans that meet the specific needs of each child.