Preparing Your Child for School: The Role of Occupational Therapy in School Readiness

Starting school is a big milestone—and every child deserves to feel confident and ready. At Youth OT, we work with families to develop the foundational skills children need to thrive in a classroom.

What is School Readiness?

School readiness goes beyond knowing letters and numbers. It includes:

• Independence with dressing, toileting, and lunchboxes

• Following routines and instructions

• Sitting still and focusing

• Interacting with peers and managing emotions

• Holding a pencil and beginning to write

How Occupational Therapy Supports School Readiness

Occupational Therapists help children develop these critical pre-academic and self-care skills through:

• Play-based learning

• Visual schedules and task boards

• Sensory regulation strategies

• Gross and fine motor activities

Common School-Readiness Goals We Work On

• Using scissors and pencils effectively

• Managing zippers, buttons, and lunch containers

• Staying on task during group time

• Transitioning between activities smoothly

Tips for Parents at Home

• Practise opening lunchboxes and packing bags together

• Establish a predictable morning and evening routine

• Encourage quiet “table time” activities like puzzles or drawing

• Use picture cues or checklists for steps like toileting and dressing

Early preparation builds long-term confidence.

Is Your Child Starting Prep or Kindergarten Soon?

Let our team at Youth OT support the transition with tailored school-readiness programs through individual therapy sessions.

📍Gold Coast | Serving children from early childhood to adolescence

🌐 www.youth-ot.health

☎️ 1300 704 734