Preparing for School in 2026: Essential Tips for Queensland Parents on Readiness and Support Strategies

And just like that it is the first day of Spring! In a few short months, many parents will be gearing up for a major transition: their children starting school. This milestone can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. To help ease the process, it’s important to understand school readiness, its importance, and the best ways to support your child. Especially as the early years expectations seem to grow every year. We will discuss the key expectations for school enrolment, the benefits of occupational and speech therapy for those facing challenges, and practical strategies you can easily apply at home to ensure your child thrives.

Understanding School Readiness

School readiness for Prep (the first year of school in Queensland) means helping children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively, while supporting their independence. Let's have a look that the expectations Queensland schools use when welcoming new Prep students:

• Social Skills: Children are encouraged to interact, share, take turns, and follow instructions—skills built through group games and play with others.

  
  

• Emotional Regulation: Learning to manage feelings and handle challenges matters just as much as academic skills. Naming emotions, celebrating effort, and turning setbacks into learning moments help children feel safe and resilient.

  
  

• Physical Development: Prep involves lots of hands-on activities—drawing, cutting, pasting, and playing outdoors. Practising at home with art, playdough, and movement prepares children for these everyday tasks.

  
  

• Cognitive Skills: Early literacy and numeracy are part of Prep, but don’t worry—recognising shapes, numbers, and enjoying story time together makes a big difference. Even reading for 15 minutes a day helps.

  
  

• Independence: Being able to dress, care for belongings, and manage little routines on their own supports a smooth start.

Every child arrives with their own strengths and style, and Prep teachers in Queensland are ready to partner with families, adjusting to meet children’s diverse needs and ways of communicating—so everyone gets the best possible start.

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Some children encounter unique challenges as they begin school, and occupational therapy offers support tailored to every child’s needs and abilities. Occupational therapists partner with children and families to build the foundational skills for a confident start—embracing diverse strengths along the way.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

• Fine Motor Skills: Fun, hands-on activities—like a “Tape Animal Rescue,” where children peel animals free from tape or rubber bands—can boost coordination for writing, cutting, and more, while also being engaging and enjoyable.

  
  

• Sensory Processing: For children sensitive to sounds, textures, or new environments, therapy provides practical strategies and gentle tools, such as a “sensory toolbox”, to help navigate sensory moments and feel comfortable at school.

  
  

• Self-Regulation: Learning to manage emotions and behaviours is supported through simple, everyday techniques. Setting up a “calm-down corner” at home, and sharing resources like picture books (including favourites such as Finding My Calm by Rebekah Lipp & Craig Phillips), can help children discover ways to relax and express themselves.

If you notice your child is finding certain tasks or situations tricky, reaching out to an occupational therapist can be a positive step towards nurturing their unique journey. Every child’s achievements—big and small—are worth celebrating.

The Value of Speech Therapy

Strong communication lays the foundation for children’s positive experiences at school, no matter how they choose to communicate. Speech therapy is about nurturing every child’s confidence and self-expression—whether they use words, gestures, visuals, AAC, or other ways to connect.

How Speech Therapy Can Help

• Building Language: Encouraging children to share stories about their day or explore new words supports expressive and curious communication, in whatever form suits them best.

  
  

• Social Communication: Simple role-play, real-life interactions, and inclusive activities create opportunities for children to learn how to greet friends, share ideas, and participate—embracing all styles of communication.

  
  

• Clear Speech: Playful sound games and gentle practice help children who speak, while other exercises can help those who use alternative communication methods, making sure progress feels enjoyable and meaningful.

If your child navigates speech or language challenges, or communicates in diverse ways, support from a speech therapist can offer reassurance and tailored strategies. Every step, in any mode of communication, is worth celebrating.

Practical Strategies for Parents at Home

While professional help can be invaluable, parents can also foster readiness at home using a few effective strategies:

Create a Routine

Children thrive on routines—they help little ones feel safe and know what to expect. Try to set times for learning, play, and self-care, like sharing breakfast together or enjoying a story before bed.

Encourage Play-Based Learning

Playing is one of the best ways for children to learn. Build towers together, draw pictures, or play pretend—these moments spark creativity and problem-solving while having fun.

Read Together

Sharing a book each day is a wonderful bonding time and gives children a strong start at school. Ask simple questions about the story and enjoy talking about what you both notice.

Practice Social Skills

Invite a friend over or visit the park so your child can meet and play with other kids. Cheering for sharing and turn-taking helps children feel confident with new friends.

Foster Independence

Gently encourage your child to try things on their own, like picking out clothes, tidying up, or helping with snacks. Celebrate their efforts to build their confidence for the transition ahead.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready to start school in 2026 is a special journey, filled with excitement for both parents and children. Knowing what’s needed for school readiness—and being aware of the little (and big) hurdles some kids might face—can make the transition much smoother. Calling on occupational or speech therapy if needed, and weaving a few supportive routines into home life, can really help your child feel prepared for this new chapter.

Remember, each child’s path to school is different, and that’s something to celebrate. Take time to notice all the big and small milestones along the way, and enjoy every moment as your child grows and learns.