Group Therapy
School Readiness Program
Our School Readiness Program is to support Children with their transition to formal Schooling. We believe this Program is helpful for ALL children, however is particularly beneficial for children who experience social difficulties, struggle with regulation or experience anxiety. It is also appropriate for children with mild to moderate autism spectrum disorder.
We target several key areas, increasing independence, fostering resilience and social skills training as well as activities specific to a classroom such as listening skills, task completion, coping with changes, managing transitions and problem solving.
Our Program runs across 8 days, 2 consecutive weeks in January Monday – Thursday and is for 2.5 hours a day. Kids LOVE attending this program. We make sure the experience is educational and FUN!
This program is facilitated by two qualified allied health professionals/specialist educators who have specific training and experience in supporting children with anxiety, ASD and other social difficulties. Our program has been written with the Support of Psychologists, Counsellors, Occupational and Speech Therapists and Early Childhood Educators. We provide children a unique opportunity to further develop social, emotional and play skills and ensure they have the best possible start in Prep. A positive and rewarding start can set the pattern for the rest of your child’s formal education.
Children will be supported to:
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Increase independence
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Follow Routine
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Ask for help
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Engage in flexible thinking
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Communicate with Adults and peers
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Initiate play
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Develop listening skills
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Play cooperatively
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Increase their awareness of others
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Complete tasks
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Identify and express emotions in a healthy way
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Find ways to self soothe and regulate
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Navigate what to do at Recess
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Work in a group setting
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Work at a table
Why is School Readiness so important?
The development of school readiness skills allows school teachers to expand and further develop a child’s skills in the specific areas of social interaction, play, language, emotional development, physical skills, literacy and fine motor skills. Without these basic skills already established upon entry to school, children can very quickly find themselves playing ‘catch up’ compared to their peers that are advancing more quickly. Students that begin school with the building blocks (or foundation) skills in place advance quickly as opposed to those that start school only to then begin the slow process of developing school readiness.
How can I tell if my Child would benefit from a School Readiness Program?
The following is a list of concerns that may indicate your Child may not be ready for school:
- Easily frustrated
- Gives up easily
- Socially struggles: does not know how to share, connect with others, initiate play, follow rules of a game
- Unable to understand consequences of behaviours
- Unable to sit down for a period of time
- Has limited play skills
- Resistant to learning opportunities
- Struggles to regulate without external support
- Frequent meltdowns
- Shuts down and withdraws when challenged
- Struggles to follow instructions and routines
- Relies on parents’ support for basic tasks
- Struggle with toileting issues
- Unable to focus on tasks (depending on activity/task)
*Some of these concerns are developmentally appropriate and will develop over time.
We are offering our School Readiness programs in Moonee Ponds, Eltham, Frankston and Geelong across January.
8 day programs 2.5 hours a day.
- Group 1 – Monday January 4th – Thursday 7th. Monday 11th – Thursday 14th.
- Group 2 – Monday 18th – Thursday 21st, Monday 25th – Thursday 28th.
Places are strictly limited. Please complete our online expression of interest form and we will send you further details.
Cost $1600.00. NDIS funding may apply.