Queensland Government - Transition to Prep for Students with Disability - Information for Families - Prep Routines

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

Queensland Government guidance explains how families can support students with disability during the transition into Prep. It outlines the value of a strong start, the Brighter futures strategy and the “Starting strong” focus on foundational skills. Families are encouraged to work in partnership with schools by discussing reasonable adjustments, sharing strengths and needs, and preparing children for routines through talk, transition programs, and practical “what will I do” scenarios.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Starting school and shared partnership

School readiness and reasonable adjustments

Transition support from school to Prep

Preparing at home, kindergarten, and early childhood programs

From home to school

From Kindergarten (Kindy) to school

From State Delivered Kindergarten (SDK) to school

From Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) to school

Confidence-building ideas for Prep

Queensland Government Transition to Prep for students with disability: Information for families-Prep routines Starting school is an important time in the lives of children and families. A strong start can help your child develop a lifelong love of learning. Brighter futures: Preparing students for the future The Department’s Brighter futures strategy sets a vision for every Queensland state school to be a school of choice where every student of every background, ability or culture is empowered to realise their full potential. A key priority outlined in the strategy is ‘Starting strong’, focusing on the foundational skills that set every child up for a positive learning journey The first year of school (Prep) is full of new and exciting experiences. It is important that schools and families work in partnership to ensure that all children have a positive and confident transition to school. There are many things for schools and families to consider when a child starts Prep. The school needs to be ready for all children, including planning for and implementing reasonable adjustments for students with disability. When you enrol your child in Prep, the school will discuss reasonable adjustments and strategies to support your child’s success and wellbeing at school. Your input is highly valuable as all children are unique and have different interests, needs and motivations. You know your child best. Children will develop familiarity and confidence in school routines and learning/social behaviours at their own pace. Take time to talk to your child about starting school and the routines your child is likely to experience at school, for example: playing with new friends, going to the library, where to store their bag and learning new skills. It is okay if your child is unable to do things at the same rate as their peers. Your child will participate in a school-based transition to Prep program. This is an opportunity for your child to become familiar with school routines, develop learning/ social behaviours and build connections with staff and peers. You can support your child to be prepared for the routines that will become part of everyday life at school. These will be modelled during the transition to Prep program. Your child’s school may also provide you with additional resources. For example, a visual transition booklet that you can use with your child prior to school to help your child feel safe, confident and welcome in their new environment. Speak to your child’s Prep teacher or the school principal, if you feel your child would benefit from having additional resources. Here are some ways you can help your child at this important time. Your child: Make time to talk to your child about how they are feeling about starting Prep and try to adjust routines at home to match their moods and energy levels. Help your child to build their confidence by finding answers to their questions together – these are known as ‘what will Ido’ scenarios. From home to school: Help the Prep teacher get to know your child. Talk to the teacher about your child’s interests, goals for your child and how your child learns. This includes providing information to the school about your child’s individual strengths, capabilities and needs. Your child’s allied health professionals team will be able to provide you with information about supports and strategies that may assist at school. From Kindergarten (Kindy) to school: Going to Kindy isan important way to help children develop a range of new skills that will help them as they move into school. Kindy helps your child build confidence, make friends, and develop a love of learning. You can ask your child’s teacher about starting school and about your child’s transition statement. Sharing your child’s kindy transition statement with their new school will help the teacher learn about your child’s strengths and interests, and will support their planning to make your child’s transition

FAQs

Why is the transition to Prep considered important for children and families?

Starting school is a key time in children’s lives, and a strong start helps children develop a lifelong love of learning. Schools and families work together so children have a positive and confident transition.

What does the school discuss with families when enrolling a child in Prep?

The school discusses reasonable adjustments and strategies to support the child’s success and wellbeing. Families’ input is valued because each child has unique interests, needs, and motivations.

How can families help their child build confidence for Prep at home?

Families can talk with their child about feelings, adjust home routines to match moods and energy, and practice everyday skills like opening lunch items, dressing with minimal support, using personal care routines, and carrying a school bag. Families can also discuss “what will I do” scenarios to prepare for common problems.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Liam