Billy Backpack | Illawarra Transition to School Program

20/02/2025

As a parent or carer, there can be lots of unknowns when it comes to child development. Child and Family Health Clinics are there to help. You can access this free service if you would like to ensure that your child is developing as they should. If you have a concern about your child’s health or development, Child and Family Health nurses can provide a comprehensive assessment and then can refer you to other relevant health services if required.

12/12/2024

04/12/2024

Visual routines can be a great way to help children with getting ready in the morning or ready for bed in the evening. Visit the resources page of the Transition to School Website to find a printable morning and evening routine template. Add your own pictures to make the routine right for your family and make it together with your child to give them ownership of their routine.

Search Printable ResourcesMorning and Evening Routine A consistent morning and evening routine helps to enhance independence and lays the foundations for a smooth transition to and from school. Social Stories Social Stories provide opportunities to discuss and learn about basic social rules, school....

03/12/2024

Daily routines have many benefits for children and families. They create a predictable environment that supports children to be in a regulated state, ready to face the challenges of the day. With lots of new experiences coming their way in the first few weeks of school, having an established routine will support children's resilience. As January can be a busy time of year with more time away from home, visitors and some later nights, it can be helpful to have some time so that children are use to their new routines. This could include practicing your routine now and planning for a quieter week or two in the lead up to starting school. Check out this article from Raising Children Network for some ideas around making a daily routine.

Daily routines are how families organise themselves, spend time together and have fun. Routines help children feel safe. They also reduce parent stress.

18/11/2024

There are so many different ways that we can read with children to build language and literacy. The Book Nook can give you some tips to support this development. From introducing new vocabulary to incorporating pretend play, there are so many different ways to share a story. Have a look and see if you find a new way to read together and remember there is no wrong time or wrong way to read with your children.

Explore research-based articles, tips, handouts and videos for supporting children's early learning throughout the day.

10/11/2024

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we will remember them ❤️

Lest we forget.

08/11/2024

Below is a great resource for getting ready for Primary School from, The NSW Department of Education. This is a big milestone in children's life. Transition to school for children and with it comes big feelings. A good transition will help prepare children to make new friends and learn routines and a sense of belonging.

🏫 📚 Starting school is a big milestone for children and their families. The NSW Department of Education has put together a ‘Getting ready for primary school resource’ to help families and their children through this transition.

👉🏻 Share this resource with families who have children who will be starting school in 2025.

You can find the guide at:https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/en/home/parents-and-carers/starting-school-guides/starting-primary-school/Getting_ready_for_primary_school.pdf

06/11/2024

Can you draw a picture about how you feel about starting School? 🖍️ 📜 🏫

And if you would like and I know Billy would love to see these amazing pictures, Please post in the comments 👇

For some children, they will feel proud to be a big kid. For others, the start of school can be a mix of stress, anxiety and nervousness. It is normal for children to fear the unknown and experience stress about leaving the secure and nurturing home environment or preschool.

We hope children are enjoying or have enjoyed orientation with the lead up to school in #2025 and this helps with a smoother transition to school 🎒🏫