Cartoon characters including a chipmunk with a detective hat, a smiling tree, an animated mirror with a face, and a green gemstone character with a smile.

Enhanced School Readiness Program

At Chipmunks Childcare, we recognise that every child learns at their own pace—and some children show signs of being ready for more structured learning before they start school. Our Enhanced School Readiness Program is thoughtfully designed for children ages 4-5 who are intending to move to kindergarten the following year.

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A more structured approach to learning

This program builds on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and carefully incorporates key elements from the Kindergarten Syllabus to provide a meaningful bridge between early learning and formal schooling. It focuses on developing higher-order thinking, early literacy and numeracy, independence, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and the confidence to engage in group learning.

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School-Like Routines & Expectations

While play remains central, the structure and intentional teaching within this program mirror many aspects of the classroom, helping children become familiar with school-like routines and expectations. Activities such as packing lunch boxes, following visual schedules, participating in group discussions, and developing early writing and mathematical concepts are integrated in a developmentally appropriate way.

Three schoolgirls in uniform running inside a school hallway with backpacks.

Voluntary Participation

Participation in our Enhanced School Readiness Program is completely optional and designed to complement, not replace, each child’s unique learning journey. We deeply respect the individual needs and readiness of every child, and no child is ever pressured to participate. Instead, we offer this program as an enriching opportunity for children who are seeking challenges and are nearing readiness for Kindergarten.

Access our school readiness booklet

Download Booklet