School Readiness
School Readiness Program
Starting school is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with unique challenges—especially for children with special needs. In partnership with our local school boards, One Kids Place’s school readiness program is designed to help every child build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the classroom. From social interaction and communication to emotional regulation and foundational learning, we focus on creating a supportive and personalized environment where your child can succeed.
Together, we’ll help your little learner transition smoothly into this important new chapter.
Autism Spectrum Disorder can impact social interactions, communication, and behavior in different ways. While every child with Autism is unique and may have different strengths and challenges, there are several key strategies that can help support their success during preschool transitions.
School Readiness supports play a vital role in helping children, including those with Autism, develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills that lay the foundation for success in school and beyond.
The One Kids Place team is dedicated to helping children build these skills, ensuring a smoother transition and greater success as they move forward.
In partnership with our local school boards, One Kids Place provides resources to help families prepare their child for kindergarten.
Tips for the first day of school:
- Invite your child to take a special item from home, if necessary (a picture or special item)
- Remain cheerful and let your child know who will be there to pick them up at the end of the school day.
- Remind them about the exciting new things they will learn
- Prepare their favourite snacks for nutrition breaks and have your children work with you to pack their lunch bag.
Once school starts there are some simple ways you can help your child make the most of kindergarten:
- Make learning a regular part of your activities at home (e.g., reading with your child, playing games together, cooking together).
- Talk to your child’s educator’s about other ways you can support your child at home.
- Ask your child specific questions about what they learned or did during the day. ( e.g . What was your favourite part of school today? (e.g., blocks, sand, water, library, outdoor play)
- Make school and learning an important part of family conversation.
- Attend information meetings and other events organized for parents and families.
One Kid Place activities and resources are age appropriate and help families better understand the child’s development and skill level. Check out our resource section below.
Resources
Preparing for School for Caregivers
Fine Motor & Self-Care Checklist for Caregivers
3 – 4 Years Old
4 Years Old
5 Years Old
6 Years Old
Preparing for Junior Kindergarten for Caregivers
Practice ideas to help your child prepare for Junior Kindergarten. As your child starts to show a hand preference (dominance), complete activities with that preferred hand.
Preparing for Senior Kindergarten for Caregivers
Practice ideas to help your child prepare for Senior Kindergarten. Your child should now be showing a hand preference. Encourage starting and finishing an activity with the same hand.
Preparing for Grade One for Caregivers
Practice ideas to help your child prepare for grade one. Your child should be holding a pencil within their fingertips and developing improved control and accuracy.
Preparing for Grade Two for Caregivers
Practice ideas to help your child prepare for grade two. Your child should be developing improved control and accuracy using a pencil. Encourage detailed drawings and smaller, more organized printing.
Ideas to Support Classroom Set Up
Setting Up Your Classroom for teachers
Kindergarten
Grade One
Grade Two
Activities for School Readiness
Popular Children’s Songs and Rhymes – Speech & Language Activities
The following are activities that you and your child can do together to help practice and develop speech and language skills.
I Hear With My Little Ear – Play and Pretend
The following are activities that you and your child can do together to help practice and develop speech and language skills.
The Letter Carrier Game – Play and Pretend
The following are activities that you and your child can do together to help practice and develop speech and language skills.
Gross Motor Activities
Gross motor skills are our body’s large movements. This includes: walking, running, hopping, jumping, skipping, rolling, crawling, dancing and reaching.
Gross Motor Checklist
Gross motor milestones for children 3-4 years and 4-5 years.
Gross Motor for School Entry
Gross motor development is important for school readiness because there are many skills that require strength for success.