Program Delivers Kiddies who are Ready for Big School

An alarming 22% of children start school being developmentally vulnerable* and one-third of Australian students fail to learn to read proficiently, at an estimated cost to the economy of $40 billion**.

With that in mind the new play-based intentional learning program School ReadY has been rolled out, designed to support 3-5-year-old children and give them the best start to formal schooling.

School readiness refers to the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by a child, so that when they commence formal schooling they can successfully engage in learning. In development for over two years, the School ReadY program is informed by a contemporary understanding of the science of early childhood learning and brain development. It focusses on building success in three developmental domains including literacy and language, social and emotional wellbeing, and numeracy.

The program is focussing initially on early literacy and oral language through play-based, fun learning experiences and is up and running at 14 Y WA early learning centres.

The Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald said, “Reading is the key to learning so if we can teach children the early literacy and oral language skills that prepare them to learn to read once they get to school, they will have a greater opportunity to thrive. The foundations of School ReadY will provide the keys to learning, giving children a head start.

“The first five years of a child's life is crucial for their development and learning. We recognise how important the years before formal schooling are to assist children to develop the foundational knowledge to enable them to flourish at school. That's why we’ve developed this program for our Early Learning Centres to educate children on being school ready.”

Dr McDonald is a leading authority on student learning and engagement and has led the program with recognised experts in their fields. Dr Simmone Pogorzelski, researcher at Edith Cowan University developed the Literacy and Language component in partnership with Knowledge Society and Y WA educators. Dr Tessa Weadman from La Trobe University Science of Language and Reading Lab reviewed the language components, and both were instrumental in facilitating a pilot of the program and evaluated its impact. The Y WA has also taken the bold step to appoint Literacy Specialist Renee Chakaodza to provide ongoing support and coaching to educators as they implement the program.

Dr McDonald adds, “School readiness is often perceived as being able to sit on a mat quietly, being able to get your lunchbox ready, use scissors or being able to listen to a story, however evidence shows that the brain is so receptive at this young age and there is so much more we can do to prepare children for success at school and beyond. Our focus on the early years is a commitment to prioritising prevention and early intervention.”

References
* https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/education/transition-primary-school
**One-third of Australian students are failing to learn to read proficiently, at an estimated cost to the economy of $40 billion - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-11/grattan-institute-reading-report/103446606