School at 4yo

[Viola]

Hi all

I really need some good advice concerning my DD's schooling.
I'm not as good in the education system of SA for now, as I'd like to be. So I am pretty upset not knowing how to start.

We are arriving to Adelaide in the end of September.
DD is turning 4 in the end of November. The age for the pre-school, is not it?

As I understood from my research, it is rather difficult to find a full-time kindergarten or preschool. However, she used to a full-day system as she attended a kindergarten for two years in our home country. She was the smallest in her group, as most of kids are turning five soon. However, there is no difference between her and them either in social or intellectual development.

By my mind it would be more preferable if she could attend a pre-school for a year before enrolling into primary school, as it would be much better for her adaptation in the new environment, with new language. But if it is only for a few hours a day it would be a problem for me to find a job, but I'd like to support my DH someway. Additionally, the financial issue is very important for us in this case, as we are not eligible for any Centrelink payments.

Thus, I was thinking if it is possible to start school at the age of 4, not 5, if she would be tested and considered developed enough for this? Does it depend on the school? Or it is a governmental requirement that a child has to be minimum of 5yo?

I would be very grateful for your thoughts concerning my question. Please feel to speak openly if my scheme is absolutely unacceptable.




P.S. Sorry for my language if something is wrong.

[~clover~]

I don't think a school would accept her. Most schools cut off at June, alot are even March now. So if she turns 5 before June they might take her, but if not til after June, probably not.
Not only that, but I don't think she'd be mentally ready.
I am going by NSW system though. They start kindergarten (big school) at 5. Some (QLD) have prep or what ever, but I'm pretty sure its still 5 & they wouldn't take your DD.

[Junglemum]

i have no answers for your questions, but wanted to say there is no need to apologise for your language. Your english is excellent. Probably better than mine.

[JLeigh29]

Here in Qld, for Prep (full time school before grade 1), a child has to be 5 by June 30 of the year they start school. So a child could still be 4 when they start, but would be turning 5 that year. Your DD wouldn't be able to start prep here in Qld for another 2 years with a November birthday.

Sorry I can't help you with systems interstate.

[Pandora]

South Australia is different to a lot of other states. Kids start school at different terms throughout the year depending on when their birthday is, but Im sure its when they are 5

You could get daycare for 12 months which would be all day but as you say its expensive, and depending on the area can be difficult to get in to.

[Oorki Galoorki]

in SA there is kindergarten for 4yrolds until 5 then school starting with reception then yr1234567(primary school)
Kindy is 4 half day sessions mon/thurs (i dont know of any kindys open on fridays)
any public kindy if you are in that zone have to accept your DD.. private ones may have waiting lists.
Childcare in SA isnt to hard to find fulltime places depending where you are. also most childcare centres offer Kindy programs in that age group therefor you dont Have to put her in a Kindy and child care.

Do you know where you are moving to? some of us locals may be able to give more ideas knowing the area

[~clover~]

in SA there is kindergarten for 4yrolds until 5 then school starting with reception then yr1234567(primary school)
Kindy is 4 half day sessions mon/thurs (i dont know of any kindys open on fridays)
any public kindy if you are in that zone have to accept your DD.. private ones may have waiting lists.

Starting to wish I was in SA!

[Viola]

Thank you Ladies for such a quick response.

It became much clearer for me now.
I was thinking that a preschool charge is equal to the childcare charge. Thus, I was worried if it is worth it, as I wouldn't be able to earn at least as much as it costs during these hours. I am not against to be a SAHM for some time, just to give her time for adaptation attending a pre-school sessions only. I researched a DECS homepage and found out that in some specific cases (like ESL) the preschool may be attended for more than 4 terms before reception. So, if we are lucky, may be it will be possible to start a little bit earlier before DD is 4yo- from this year's 4th term.
It also very helpful to know that childcare centres mostly provide a pre-school programme.

Unfortunately, we do not know where will we live after arrival so far. We would love the southern suburbs. But the reality depends on a lot of circumstances.

I appreciate very much your attitude and helpfulness. Thank you.

[mrsmac]

They will probably provide a teacher's aid to help her with her English, I know in primary schools here in NSW she would be entitled to an ESL teacher for a day or 2 a week as a new arrival with no English.
Maybe write to the SA department Education and ask.