The first five years play a crucial role in every child’s development. During this important time, children make incredible progress in their motor skills, communication and language, and social and emotional growth. When families start to talk to us at our Guardian Childcare Centres about formal schooling, we always share that a child’s social and emotional development is especially important. This involves how individual children begin to understand themselves, recognise and manage their feelings, and know what to expect when interacting with others.
During this stage, we see children are learning to:
- Start and maintain friendships
- Identify, express, and handle their emotions
- Explore their surroundings with growing curiosity
Positive social and emotional development is important during this stage of a child’s life.
Why? Because when children understand who they are and where they fit in the world, it supports:
- Self-confidence
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Friendships
Developing strong social and emotional skills can impact children’s success both in and out of the classroom. National and international research consistently finds that the most important factor for a smooth start to school, and for later achievement in school and beyond, is being socially and emotionally ready.
Supporting Social and Emotional Growth at Guardian Childcare & Education
Our two-year Flying Start to School Preschool/Kindergarten program is designed to set children up for lifelong learning and wellbeing in a long day care setting. Incorporating our unique To BE Me curriculum, children’s growth is supported in seven key learning areas:
- Being/Becoming A Great Thinker
- Being/Becoming A Reader
- Being/Becoming A Writer
- Being/Becoming A Counter
- Being/Becoming a Good Friend
- Being/Becoming A Mover
- Being/Becoming Me
While literacy and numeracy are essential, in our unique learning programs, we go further. Our teams are committed to nurturing each child’s social and emotional wellbeing. We know that children who are confident and secure are much better able to learn, setting them up not just for a successful transition to school, but for life.
How Gurdian Childcare’s Flying Start to School program support social and emotional development
Our Being/Becoming Me development pathways helps children:
- Feel, express, and manage their emotions in healthy ways
- Explore their environment with increasing curiosity and confidence
Being/Becoming a Good Friend empowers them to:
- Build positive relationships
- Learn empathy, cooperation, and respect
What Does our Flying Start to School Program look like?
First Year (3–4-year-olds):
We nurture confidence and independence. Children are encouraged to share ideas, try new things, learn from mistakes, and celebrate personal progress in a safe, supportive environment. This early foundation allows children to become enthusiastic, resilient learners who believe in themselves.
Second Year (4–5-year-olds):
The focus shifts to building a strong sense of identity. We encourage children to be brave, participate actively, and know they are a valued member of both their learning space, and the wider community.
Our flexible, responsive curriculum guides our Teachers to cater for each child’s learning style, background, and interests. We support every child to build strong social and emotional skills so they can thrive not just at school, but at work and throughout life.
In this final year of the program we also support the important transition to school. Through our Local School Program, we form strong connections with a nearby school to support children’s school readiness. It provides children plenty of opportunities to feel confident and excited about what’s to come
Tips for Supporting Your Child Before School
How else can you help your child’s social and emotional growth? Here are some effective ways:
- Show affection: Hug, talk, sing together, and give your child your full attention.
- Encourage independence: Give your child chances to try new things while offering gentle support nearby. For example, encourage self-dressing.
- Allow for ‘unhurried time’: Give plenty of time for tasks like putting on shoes, building skills and confidence.
- Lead by example: Show your child how to listen, take turns, and resolve conflict calmly.
Most importantly, remember every child is unique and full of potential, developing in their own way and at their own pace. We partner with families to help make each child’s transition to school an exciting and positive experience.
At Guardian, we're here to help your family make the most of this special time. Children only get to experience this age once, and they deserve to enjoy every moment. Together, families, teachers, and educators play a vital role in giving children the best start possible by nurturing every aspect of their development.
Learn more about Guardian Childcare & Education’s Flying Start to School Preschool/Kindergarten program and how we can support your child’s learning and growth.
Book a tour at your nearest Guardian Childcare Centre today.
