Thanks for your question S. It is completely normal for parents to feel anxious about sending their child to three year old kindergarten. For many families, it is the first time they have entrusted their child to the care of others for an extended period. Questions naturally arise. Will my child cope? Are they too young? Will they be upset? Am I pushing them too soon?
The good news is that the evidence coming out of Victoria strongly suggests that quality three year old kindergarten provides significant benefits for most children. The Victorian Government’s expansion of funded three and four year old kindergarten is based on extensive research showing that two years of quality kindergarten delivers better outcomes than one year alone. Research highlights improvements in language development, social skills, emotional wellbeing and school readiness.
It is important to understand that kindergarten is not just schooling at a younger age. Good kindergarten programs are based on play, exploration, curiosity and relationships. Children learn through doing, not through sitting and being taught. They develop communication skills, learn how to share, negotiate, take turns, solve simple problems and manage their emotions. These are the collection of skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
From my perspective, one of the greatest benefits is the opportunity for children to begin meeting some of their important needs outside the family environment. They discover they can connect with other children, build friendships, learn from trusted adults and gain a growing sense of competence. Every time a child successfully navigates a new experience, they add another layer of confidence to their developing sense of self.
This does not mean every child will skip happily through the gate on day one. Some children adjust quickly while others need time. Tears at separation are not usually a sign that something is wrong, often they are a sign that both parent and child are experiencing a normal transition. As parents, we sometimes make the mistake of assuming our child’s temporary discomfort means we should remove the challenge, but growth occurs when children are supported to work through manageable difficulties. The key point here is that it is manageable with support. Children need reassurance, consistency and confidence from the adults around them to do this.
Of course, parents should still do their research. Visit the service, meet the educators, ask questions about safety, communication and how they support children who are finding the transition difficult. Recent reviews in Victoria have reinforced the practice of maintaining high standards and child safety across the early learning sector.
Rather than worrying, “Will my child be upset?” it is more useful to ask, “Will this experience help my child learn, grow and become more confident over time?” For most children, the answer is yes. So, should you be concerned? A little nervousness is understandable, but if your child is attending a quality program with caring educators, there is far more reason for optimism than concern. Three year old kindergarten is not about taking childhood away, it is about giving children more opportunities to explore it.