FREE RESOURCES : UPDATED SCHOOL READINESS CHECKLIST AND PARENT EDITION

January is when Australians start to think about returning to school after a wonderful summer break.  From the sand between our toes, fun with family, carefree days .... to backpacks, uniforms, lunch boxes and shoes! Whether you are 2 weeks, 2 months or 12 months away from starting school, this is still for you! 

School readiness can mean many different things to different people. I have a host of articles that talk about school readiness which I'll leave links to below. 

This year I have updated my popular "school readiness checklist" (originally created in 2014).  The content in this newer version is slightly adjusted and presented with a new design. 

The information in the checklist is based from standardised tests includine the HELP 3-6 Checklist, The Miller Function & Participation Scales, The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales and the Beery VMI (Visual-Motor Integration). The checklist is not exhaustive and was developed to provide a snapshot of where you child is currently performing and what they may need help with completing. Language is only briefly touched on and you should seek advice from a speech therapist if you have concerns with your child's receptive or expressive language. 

It would be appropriate to use this checklist in the year before your child begins formal schooling. The school readiness checklist was compiled to provide an overview of a child’s visual motor skills, fine motor and pre-writing skills, gross motor skills, cognitive and problem solving skills, social, language and emotional skills, and self-care (independence) skills. There is a wide range of expectations for children beginning formal schooling and this may change from one local area to another. The starting age for school may also vary depending on your state or country of residence.

Terms of use: This checklist should be used as a guide only. This school readiness checklist is not a standardised test and can not be used to gauge age-norms. It this therefore not appropriate for use in research projects.

​This checklist may be used by parents, educators and health professionals for their own use with a child or children in their care. This checklist should not be distributed. Further free copies may be obtained from Your Kids OT. If you have concerns with your child's development, please contact your local health professional for an assessment of your child's individual needs.

SCHOOL READINESS CHECKLIST

Being a parent of a child starting school for the first time can be daunting. What do we need? What do we need to set up at home? How can we help our children transition to school without tears and tantrums. 

Planning ahead is an important step for parents and I have created a checklist for you too! This is also a free printable available at the YKOT shop. 

A special section for older children is included with this checklist.  My youngest child is starting highschool and this transition can be just as daunting if not more so that starting Kindergarten.  

SCHOOL READINESS CHECKLIST PARENT EDITION

For more information on school readiness:

• Five ways to get your child's body and mind ready for school.
• 10 Things to practice before starting big school. 
• Essential Social Skills to survive the school playground.
• I'm ready for school! Lift the flap morning checklist.


• Are you supporting a child with their first year at school? Do you have an older child starting a new school or moving into high school?  
  
  One thing that I left off the parent edition ... what do you have planned after drop off on the first day of school? ! Whether you are rejoicing and celebrating or a bit teary, it's always a good idea to have something planned after the first drop off.  Morning tea with fellow parents?  A treat at the hair dressers? 
  
  I would love to hear how your preparation for the start of school goes and what you have planned after that first drop off! 

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Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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