Building independence before pre-school

There are things you can do to help your child build their independence before starting pre-school.

Washing their hands

Help your child to practise hand washing before starting pre-school.

Break the task down into steps and make sure everyone taking care of your child does the same steps every time.

Use the same language and sequence of steps. For example, you could say:

• roll up sleeves
• tap on
• soap
• rub
• rinse
• tap off
• dry hands
• sleeves down

You could use a visual schedule, that everyone can follow.

Build hand washing into your child's daily routine. For example, before every meal and every snack. This will help prepare them to do it on their own when they start pre-school.

Remember to have a stool at the sink so your child is at the right height for hand washing.

Putting on a coat

Buy the coat your child will wear well before starting pre-school. This will give them time to practise putting it on and taking it off.

When choosing a coat, pick one with a looser fit. This will be easier for your child to manage.

A coat with big buttons or an easy-to-use zip is a good choice. Try to avoid small zip pulls or tiny buttons.

Teach your child how to hang up their coat. Most pre-schools will have a hook with the child's name or picture next to the hook. Put a similar hook up at home so your child can practise hanging up their coat.

Learning how to do zips and buttons

Using a school bag

Buy their school bag well in advance of going to pre-school. They can become familiar with it and practise using it.

Get them a bag with zips that are easy to open. If your child likes deep pressure hugs or squeezes, they may benefit from some weight in their school bag.

Put some books or water bottles in the bag. This weight might help them feel grounded when going into school to start the day.

Choosing a school bag

Toileting in pre-school

Most children can go to pre-school even if they are not yet using the potty or toilet independently.

Ask the pre-school about their nappy-changing and toileting policy. Ask any questions you may have.

Tips for toilet training a child with special needs

Putting their shoes on and off

Use shoes that your child likes and is familiar with. Make sure they are easy to put on and take off. Let them practise doing this well in advance of starting school.

Tips to help with shoes and socks

Using a lunchbox

Buy their lunchbox well before starting pre-school. Let them practise opening and closing it. Bring it on family outings and picnics so they are very familiar with it.

If your child is fussy about their food, just put food they like in the lunchbox. Do this too when they are settling into pre-school.

Children and fussy eating

Recognising their belongings

It can be a good idea to teach your child how to recognise their belongings.

If your child has siblings, cousins or friends - play a little game. Hold up a lunchbox or coat and say, "who owns this?" Encourage the child who owns it to say "It's mine!"