An infant school is a type of early education program for young children, typically between the ages of 4 and 7. It covers the first stage of formal schooling, often including preschool and kindergarten.
Starting infant school is a big step both for you and your child. It means new routines, new people, and learning how to do things without your help.
You might be asking yourself: What should my child know before their first day? Are we ready for this?
This checklist breaks it down. It covers the key skills your child needs to feel confident and settle in smoothly. No pressure to get everything perfect; these are just small, practical things you can work on together at home.
Let’s take it one step at a time.
1. Communication
Children should be able to speak clearly enough to express their needs and follow simple instructions. Good communication helps teachers understand them and reduces frustration.
How to Help:
- Ask your child open-ended questions during meals or storytime.
- Read books together and talk about the pictures.
- Encourage your child to speak for themselves instead of answering for them.
- Teach them to say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me”.
2. Toilet Independence
Most infant schools expect children to be out of diapers and manage toilet needs without help. This includes wiping, flushing, and washing hands.
How to Help:
- Practice the full bathroom routine at home.
- Teach your child to pull up pants and wipe independently.
- Use picture charts near the toilet as reminders.
- Pack extra clothes in their school bag just in case.
3. Dressing and Self-Care
Children should be able to handle simple tasks like putting on shoes, zipping a coat, and managing their belongings. This gives them confidence and saves time during the school day.
How to Help:
- Let your child practice dressing every day.
- Choose easy fasteners like Velcro shoes.
- Show them how to open and close containers in their lunchbox.
- Encourage them to carry their own backpack.
4. Social Skills
Infant school involves group activities, sharing, and taking turns. Children should be able to interact politely with peers and use words to resolve small conflicts.
How to Help:
- Set up playdates with other children.
- Role-play, sharing, and taking turns.
- Praise gentle behavior and problem-solving.
- Teach simple phrases like “Can I have a turn?” or “Let’s play together”.
5. Separation Confidence
It’s normal for young children to feel nervous about being away from you. But they should be able to separate without significant distress and feel safe with teachers.
How to Help:
- Practice short separations with a babysitter or relative.
- Stick to a calm and consistent goodbye routine.
- Avoid sneaking away—say goodbye clearly.
- Talk about what happens at school and when you’ll pick them up.
6. Following Routines
A school day is built around structure. Children should be comfortable with predictable routines and transitions between activities.
How to Help:
- Create a daily schedule at home for wake-up, meals, play, and bedtime.
- Use timers or visual charts to show “what’s next”.
- Practice simple transitions like cleaning up before lunch.
- Be consistent—children thrive on repetition.
7. Early Literacy and Number Sense
Children don’t need to read or count fluently, but they should have basic exposure to letters, numbers, and stories.
How to Help:
- Point out letters on signs, books, and packages.
- Practice writing their name on paper or in the sand.
- Count aloud during everyday tasks (like stairs or snacks).
- Sing songs that include rhymes, numbers, or letters.
8. Emotional Awareness
Your child should begin to recognize their feelings and learn how to handle them. Emotional skills help them ask for help, make friends, and stay calm when things don’t go as planned.
How to Help:
- Name emotions as they come up (“You’re feeling mad because the toy broke”).
- Read books that talk about feelings.
- Teach simple calming strategies like deep breathing or counting to five.
- Model how to handle frustration in healthy ways.
9. Listening and Attention
In infant school, children are expected to sit for short periods, follow group instructions, and pay attention to others. They don’t need to be perfectly still, but they should stay engaged for a few minutes at a time.
How to Help:
- Play simple games that require listening, like “Simon Says”.
- Read stories and ask questions afterward.
- Give short, clear directions (“Put the shoes in the basket”).
- Limit screen time and offer quiet activities like puzzles or coloring.
10. Physical Readiness
Basic physical development helps your child manage school tasks, like walking in line, carrying a backpack, or using pencils and scissors.
How to Help:
- Let them climb, run, and balance at the park.
- Offer toys that build fine motor skills (like blocks, crayons, or beads).
- Teach safe scissor use with child-friendly scissors and paper.
- Practice opening lunch containers and putting on jackets independently.
Quick Final Checklist
Use this list to double-check your child’s readiness the week before infant school starts:
- Can ask for help or express needs clearly
- Can use the toilet and wash hands independently
- Can put on shoes and a jacket
- Comfortable separating at drop-off
- Understands routines and transitions
- Can sit and listen for short periods
- Familiar with letters, numbers, and their name
- Shows basic self-control and social skills
- Can carry and manage their backpack or belongings
- Emotionally ready for a new environment
If a few items still need work, that’s normal. Use the days ahead to practice small tasks and build confidence.
Ask Us for Support
Starting infant school is a big step for both children and parents. At Quality Interactive Montessori Preschool, we support families through every stage of the transition.
Our classrooms help children develop independence, social skills, and early learning habits in a calm, welcoming space. We also partner with parents to build consistency between home and school.
If you have questions about readiness or would like to tour our infant school program, contact us today. We’re here to help your child start strong.
