Guide · Your child's stages
Ready for preschool?
Look for the little signs.
Readiness isn't about reciting the alphabet. It's about curiosity, confidence and a growing sense of independence. Here's what to look for — and how to help.
01Readiness is a mix, not a checklist
Children usually move into a preschool program around age 3, and every child arrives with a different mix of strengths. You're not looking for perfection — you're looking for a child who is curious and starting to manage small things on their own.
02Signs your child may be ready
- Can spend time away from you without long-lasting distress
- Shows interest in other children — watching, copying, starting to play together
- Communicates needs with words, even if not perfectly
- Manages simple self-care with help: washing hands, eating independently, working on toileting
- Can follow a short instruction like “hat on, then outside”
- Sits with an activity they enjoy for a few minutes
If a few of these aren't there yet, that's okay. A good preschool room is designed to grow these skills.
03What preschool builds for school
A quality preschool program — guided by the Early Years Learning Framework — focuses on the foundations that make Kindergarten easier: early literacy and numeracy through play, listening and turn-taking, emotional regulation, resilience, and independence with belongings and routines.
At Smart Steps, preschoolers also explore Arkki, a Finnish design-thinking program that builds problem-solving and spatial thinking. See our approach.
04Simple ways to help at home
- Read together every day and talk about the pictures.
- Practise small jobs: packing their bag, putting on shoes, opening lunch containers.
- Play turn-taking games — board games, ball games, “my turn, your turn”.
- Name feelings out loud: “You look frustrated. Let's take a breath.”
- Talk positively about preschool and visit before the first day.
05Thinking about cost
For children aged 3–5 in long day care, families may be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy plus NSW Start Strong fee relief. Learn about Start Strong or estimate your costs with the CCS calculator.
06Preschool at Smart Steps, Moorebank
Our Preschool program is for children 3–6 years in a long day care setting, open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am–6:00 pm, with meals included in the $160 daily fee. It's built to help children start school confident, curious and ready. Not sure if preschool or long day care suits you best? Read daycare vs preschool.