Is My Child Ready for Preschool? Signs Parents Often Miss

Starting preschool is a big step for children and parents. Many families assume “ready” simply means being a certain age, toilet trained, or able to count to ten. In reality, preschool readiness is mostly about confidence, communication, emotional regulation, and daily routines.

At Willunga Child Care Centre & Preschool in Quakers Hill, we support children’s readiness through play-based learning, gentle routines, strong educator relationships, and a school-readiness focus that helps children transition with confidence.

Below are some preschool readiness signs parents often miss, plus practical ways you can build readiness at home.

What “Preschool Ready” Really Means

Preschool readiness isn’t about being the “best” in the room. It’s about your child being able to:

• Feel safe with other adults (educators)
• Engage with other children
• Follow simple routines
• Communicate needs (even non-verbally)
• Try again after small setbacks

Children develop these skills at different speeds so readiness is more like a range, not a fixed milestone.

10 Preschool Readiness Signs Parents Often Miss

1) They can separate… after a short warm-up

A child doesn’t need to separate instantly without tears. A strong sign is when they settle with comfort, especially if they can return to play after reassurance.

At home: practise short separations (e.g., a grandparent visit, playdate drop-off).

2) They show curiosity (even if they don’t sit still)

Some children learn best by moving. Readiness can look like:

• Asking “why?” a lot
• Exploring with hands
• Watching others and copying

Curiosity is a key early-learning skill—and it often matters more than “sitting nicely.”

3) They can follow one-step instructions (most of the time)

Readiness can be as simple as:

• “Shoes on, please”
• “Put your cup in the sink”
• “Come to the table”

If your child can follow one instruction, they’re building the foundation for group learning.

4) They can cope with small disappointments

Preschool includes waiting turns and sharing resources. A subtle sign of readiness is when your child can recover from small setbacks, such as:

• Not getting the first turn
• A block tower falling down
• Being told “not right now”

This doesn’t mean no meltdowns—just that recovery is slowly improving.

5) They can communicate needs in any way

Readiness isn’t perfect speech. It’s the ability to express:

• Hungry / thirsty
• Toilet / nappy needs
• Help / discomfort
• “No” or “Stop”

Gestures, simple words, or pointing all count. Preschool builds communication rapidly when children feel supported.

6) They show interest in other children (even from a distance)

Not every child is instantly social. A common “missed” readiness sign is parallel play:

• Playing near other children
• Watching what others do
• Copying games

This is often the first stage of friendship-building.

7) They can manage basic routines with support

Preschool routines include:

• Packing away
• Washing hands
• Group time
• Mealtimes
• Rest time

If your child can participate with encouragement, they’re on track. Consistency helps more than perfection.

8) They have stamina for a half-day (or longer) out of the house

Some children struggle simply because they’re overtired. A readiness sign is when your child can handle:

• A morning out
• A regular weekly activity
• A structured routine without “crashing” early

If they tire easily, starting with fewer days can help.

9) They try to be more independent

Parents often overlook this one because it’s subtle. Signs include:

• “Me do it!”
• Putting on shoes (not perfectly)
• Trying to pour water
• Attempting to tidy up

Independence is one of the strongest predictors of a smooth preschool transition.

10) They are beginning to handle toileting steps (even if not 100% trained)

Many families delay preschool because of toilet training. While it can help, children can still be ready if they:

• Show awareness of wet/dirty nappies
• Tell you (or show you) they need to go
• Are happy to sit on the toilet
• Can follow toileting routines with support

At Willunga, educators work closely with families to support consistent toileting routines (every child is different).

A Quick Preschool Readiness Checklist (Save This)

Your child is likely ready for preschool if they can do most of the following with support:

• Separate from a parent/carer after reassurance
• Follow simple instructions
• Communicate needs (words/gestures)
• Participate in routines (hands, pack away, group time)
• Engage near other children
• Bounce back from small disappointments
• Show curiosity and willingness to try

If you’re unsure, the next best step is a tour and a chat. Seeing your child in the environment makes readiness much clearer.

How Willunga Supports Preschool & School Readiness (Quakers Hill)

Every child’s transition is different. Our approach focuses on:

• Warm, consistent educator relationships
• Structured daily routines that build confidence
• Play-based learning that supports early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving
• School readiness foundations: independence, communication, social skills, and self-regulation
• Fresh, healthy meals daily to support energy and wellbeing

When in Doubt: Look for “Progress,” Not Perfection

If your child is showing small steps forward (even with big feelings) that’s normal development. Preschool is designed to help children grow these skills in a supportive environment.

If you’d like, you can book a tour at Willunga Child Care Centre & Preschool (Quakers Hill) and we can talk through your child’s stage and the best start plan.

Call: 0403 118 372
Location: Quakers Hill, NSW
Website: willungachildcare.com.au

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