Starting school, one step at a time
A practical preparation guide for families moving into the school years.
Reviewed 24 October 2026 · ParentCentral editorial
Start with your school
Check enrolment requirements, age rules and orientation arrangements with the school and your state education department. Suggested dates in a planner cannot replace official deadlines. Ask about school hours, pupil-free days, uniforms, supplies and where important updates are published.
Make the day familiar
Talk about what the morning, classroom, lunch and pickup might look like. Practise opening lunch containers and managing belongings without turning preparation into a test. Invite questions and listen to what your child is looking forward to or wondering about.
Think beyond the classroom
Plan the route to school and backup pickup arrangements. Ask early about outside school hours care and holiday care if you need it. Write down who is responsible for different tasks so the preparation does not sit with only one person.
Share what helps your child
Discuss communication preferences, support needs and useful strategies with the school. If your child has an existing professional care plan, ask how the school receives and follows it. School readiness is not simply whether a child can read or count; speak with educators about the transition.