Pre Kindy & Kindy
Pre Kindy
The final stage of the Early Intervention (EI) program is an Inclusive Preschool program that facilitates the development of skills necessary for a successful transition into Preschool. In South Australia Preschool is commonly referred to as Kindergarten, or Kindy, hence we refer to this program as our Pre Kindy program.
Preparation for the Pre Kindy program began in the second half of the child’s year in the Toddler Program (refer to our Early Intervention page for more information) where he/she began to separate from parents at the Society and participated in a more structured session. Key skill areas worked on include independence, communication and motor skill development.
It is generally expected that all children with Down syndrome will have progressed to the point where they are able to participate in the Pre Kindy program. However, for some children significant medical issues and/or other complicating factors may be impacting heavily on their development. If this is the case then the Early Intervention consultant will talk to parents/caregivers about the most appropriate next phase for the child. One option may be enrolling the child at The Briars which is a Special Needs Kindergarten run by Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS). See our section on Services - Other Providers for more information.
The Inclusive Preschool program is run in a mainstream Kindergarten (over 4 terms) by an Early Intervention consultant and an assistant. When selecting a Kindergarten to use the consultant will take into account, amongst other things, where the participants live and the physical layout of the Kindy.
The aims of the program include:
- Developing motor skills that will enable participation in preschool activities.
- Developing self motivation and independence skills to participate in a structured environment.
- Developing early reading and writing skills.
- Developing both spoken and augmentative communication skills.
The consultant and assistant are on hand to help and guide the child learn the routines of being at Kindy i.e., hanging up their bag, saying goodbye, listening and participating at group times, washing hands for snack time, toileting etc. In addition they will spend one on one time with each child working on skills such as cutting, pre-reading, writing etc. In essence, children are learning how to go to Kindy.
After 4 terms in the Pre Kindy program, children are ready to head off to their local Kindergarten of choice and are officially finished with the Early Intervention program.
Selecting the ‘right’ Kindergarten (and school) for their child is a task many parents find demanding. As the need arises, the Society runs an information evening called ‘Challenges and Choices’ aimed at parents of toddler and Pre Kindy children. The session looks at the issues confronting parents and also provides an overview of the schooling options available. For more detailed information about the school sectors in South Australia access the relevant sites listed in the information box on the right hand side of this page.
Early intervention staff as well as the Society’s support worker are available to talk with families about issues and problems they might be having at this time.
See our General photo gallery for some pictures of children participating in the Pre Kindy program.
Kindergarten
Your child’s pre school (i.e. prior to school) experience may take place in kindergartens, preschools, child parent centres, children's services centres or children's centres. Some services offer preschool and childcare at the same location.
All children are entitled to attend kindergarten in the year before they start school. Once they turn four children are able, where resources permit, to attend up to four preschool sessions per week, for up to four consecutive terms before entry to the reception class of primary school. Full time preschool equates to four sessions per week. Arrangements can be flexible depending on need e.g. in some circumstances two sessions a day may be arranged, but this will vary between kindergartens.
Additionally most kindergartens run a pre entry program where a child can attend for one session per week in the term before starting full time Kindy. Again this is something to be discussed with your Kindergarten of choice but parents of children with Down syndrome (and similar chromosomal disorders) should bear in mind that in many instances there is no funding to provide support for your child during this time.
Earlier entry to Kindergarten is available for those children who are Aboriginal, or under the Guardianship of the Minister for Education and Children’s Services. For more detail about this please speak to your Early Intervention consultant.
In the Kindergarten setting children with Down syndrome (and other special and/or additional needs) are entitled to receive extra support and this generally comes in the form of a Preschool Support/Early Childhood Worker. The amount of support provided to each child will vary depending upon their unique needs. Sometimes children are found to need one on one support whilst others will receive clustered support which is where a small number of children are supported by the Preschool Support Worker. The support is funded by DECS and often the Kindy will be asked to provide funding as well.
Whilst most children with Down syndrome will attend a mainstream Kindergarten, DECS conducts 3 Outreach programs which involve a small number of children in an inclusive program within a mainstream Kindergarten. These programs are designed for children who need a higher level of support. Speak to an Early Intervention consultant for more information and to discuss eligibility.
During the Kindergarten year day to day support of the child with Down syndrome is handled by Preschool support workers. In addition, each child will be assigned an Education Consultant from the Society who will provide consultancy support to staff of the Kindergarten and can offer training and development programs for preschool personnel.
The consultant can also attend Negotiated Education Plan meetings (NEP's or sector equivalent) and will talk to parents about the most appropriate next educational setting for the child. Parents may wish to have the consultant accompany them to schools to discuss the potential enrolment of their child. The consultant is generally involved in the planning of a child's transition to the school environment and can provide advice about ways to help the child settle in.
