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Key ingredients of effective interventions

5. School readiness

School-readiness programs aim to address difficulties identified in some disadvantaged communities, including children presenting at school without a preschool experience, with undetected language/speech problems and other additional needs. Programs are universally targeted “pre-prep” programs. They are focussed on the parent and child, based in local schools, and offer activities such as school orientation and small group sessions. In some cases, services are targeted at the whole family.

Simulating the school environment (group interaction, play, classroom activities, routine/structure), and focusing on the child and parent separately, as well as activities for the parent to do with the child, appear to work well. Parent involvement in their children’s learning activities facilitates their role as their children’s teachers and encourages home-based activities such as reading. Referrals and individual intervention as required is another important component of these programs. In some cases, individual case plans assist the child’s learning and transition to school.

The programs emphasise the need for trained, qualified and knowledgeable staff to be involved in service delivery to effectively meet the needs of both parents and children. Trust and rapport is essential, as workers sometimes need to address sensitive issues such as language problems and/or developmental delay. Employing local community members who speak the language and are familiar to the families involved can contribute to this end. Social and culturally appropriate activities and celebrations are important to establish social support networks and to maintain engagement.

We have discovered that if we run programs (for CALD communities), we need to begin and end with an appropriate celebration. It may be a breakfast, a fundraiser or a play activity—something that is free, fun and for the whole family! This has proven successful, as families feel welcomed and appreciated in the local environment. (Project Manager, Tracks to Big School)

Source: Promising Practice Profiles: Final report (PDF 2.2 MB) (Soriano, Clark & Wise. 2008). p35

Key ingredients of effective interventions

5. School readiness

List of key ingredients:

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