More support is to be available for educators and teachers to better prepare children moving from kindergarten to school during the pandemic.
In a statement, the Parliamentary Secretary for Early Childhood Education, Sonya Kilkenny said additional support for early childhood services and schools would include professional development as well as resources to prepare children for their transition to school in 2021.
“Educators will be able to register for online professional development workshops and webinars, to learn how to adapt existing transition programs during coronavirus restrictions – as well as adapt Transition Statements to support the continuity of learning as they make this transition during coronavirus,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“Educators will also be able access new resources including guidance for kindergartens on transition in a time of COVID-19 and guidance for schools to best meet the needs of Prep students who have had a disrupted kindergarten year due to the pandemic,” she said.
“These tools will help educators and teachers give practical advice on the transition to school processes to ensure children and families are ready for this significant milestone.”
Ms Kilkenny said early childhood educators and schools needed to work collaboratively together and with families to ensure kindergarten children could effectively transition and take on new challenges in the Prep classroom.
“A positive start to school, leading to greater and ongoing connection with school, has been identified as a factor in disrupting cycles of disadvantage, and in promoting resilience among young people,” she said.
