Kindergartens

Kindergarten is a form of education for young children and serves as a form of transition from home to formal schooling. It literally means "children's garden" and overlaps early childhood education and preschool. Children are taught to develop basic skills and knowledge through lessons and activities. In some countries, kindergarten is part of their preschool system and is usually attended by children between the ages of two and seven years.

In Australia, kindergarten is often used to describe the first year of education. It is relatively unregulated and is not compulsory for all since the first exposure to learning for Australian children is day care or a playgroup. In all states and territories, except for Western Australia and Queensland, kindergarten is separate from primary school therefore it is not generally considered as schooling. The responsibility for kindergarten lies with the respective education departments of each state and territory.

Tips on preparing your child for kindergarten

• Attend the kindergarten orientation and try to follow any recommendations the school may offer.
• Visit the school with your child and let him or her feel comfortable being there.
• Leave your child with a trusted friend or relative for increasing time periods if there is an issue with separation.
• Teach your child some useful tips such as zipping pants, buttoning the shirt, and tying shoelaces. Give your child opportunities to care for his or her toys and clothes.
• Develop and refine your child's social skills by teaching him or her how to listen and how to talk politely and telling an adult when he or she needs help.
• Talk to your child about his or her fears and do not downplay or minimize these feelings. Teach your child how to independently handle some problems that may arise.

Tips for choosing the best school for your children

• Choose a school based on leadership instead of choosing whether public or private. If the leadership of the school is good, then you can expect the best service and education for your children.
• The school must share the same values as your family. Consider the policies in place regarding behavior, punctuality and dress codes.
• Does the school provide opportunities for growth other than in academics A school must also provide extra-curricular activities that would hone the skills and talents of the child.
• The school must have a procedure regarding disciplinary issues that would support the child.
• It is important for a school to have a Parent Teacher Association to foster interaction between students and other members of the community.
• A good school does not enforce a single religion or ideal to the students, instead it promotes the growth of open-minded students who are interested in learning about spirituality.
• The school must have activities and projects that help the community for the child to develop empathy and a sense of social justice.
• Consider the costs of sending your child to a particular school and see if you can afford them.