Starting preschool
Find handy hints from early childhood teachers and parents to make it easier for you and your family to get your child ready for preschool.
Going to preschool
The idea of preschool can be a bit daunting for many parents. You may feel like your little one is growing up too fast. Don't worry! Preschool is a time when your child will have lots of fun with children their own age.
Preschool helps to develop and broaden the way children experience education, encouraging them to become confident, eager and enthusiastic learners who are looking forward to starting big school.
Finding and enrolling in a preschool
Preschools can help with enrolment questions throughout the year. You may need to attend an interview with the preschool. There you can discuss any medical conditions or other special circumstances before your child starts school. The school may complete a risk assessment.
Families looking for community preschools can find a service in our list of NSW preschools. There are also preschools within government schools available.
Need help enrolling your child in preschool? Refer to Preschool enrolment for more information.
Is my child the right age?
Children can enrol from the beginning of the school year if they turn 4 on or before 31 July that year.
What to expect in preschool
This section contains a selection of helpful resources, tools and activities for you and your child starting preschool.
Preparing for preschool
Find more about preparing for preschool, including:
- Checklist: what your child needs
- Have you met the preschool teacher?
- Allergies, health conditions and additional needs
- What should my child wear?
Starting school guide
View the ebook online or download the PDF below.
