What to Do if a Child is Not Fully Ready for School: Options for Parents and Teachers

Starting school is a significant milestone, but not all children develop the necessary school readiness skills at the same time. Some may struggle with attention, self-regulation, following instructions, or communication. If a child is not yet fully ready for school, parents and teachers can take proactive steps to support their development and ease the transition. Here are some options to consider:

1. Consider Early Intervention Programs

Early intervention can make a significant difference for children who are not yet school-ready.

Programs such as:

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy: Assists in building attention, social skills, and following routines.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Helps children develop communication and comprehension skills.
• Occupational Therapy: Supports fine motor skills, self-regulation, and independence in tasks like dressing or using school supplies.

At Miles Autism Academy, we specialise in ABA therapy, which focuses on helping children develop essential skills for school readiness. Our structured and individualised ABA programs help children improve:

• Following instructions: Learning to comply with teacher directions and classroom rules.
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions, staying calm, and transitioning between activities smoothly.
• Attention and focus: Enhancing the ability to engage in learning activities and sustain attention in class.
• Social skills: Building peer interaction skills, waiting for turns, and communicating effectively.
• Daily living skills: Encouraging independence in routines like toileting, dressing, and eating.

ABA therapy at Miles Autism Academy is tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring they receive the right support to transition smoothly into a school environment.

2. Enroll in a Part-Time or Transitional School Program

For children who are not yet ready for a full-time school schedule, a part-time preschool or early intervention class can be a great stepping stone. These programs provide structured learning environments while allowing children to gradually adjust to classroom expectations.

At Miles Autism Academy, we have partnered with Beacon House Preschool in a Bridging Preschool Program starting 2025 to provide a supportive learning environment tailored to children who need additional preparation before transitioning into mainstream schooling.

3. Strengthen School Readiness at Home

Parents play a crucial role in preparing children for school. Here are some practical strategies:

• Establish Routines: Set up daily routines that mimic school structure, including set meal times, playtime, and quiet learning activities.
• Practice Following Instructions: Use simple, step-by-step tasks at home to help children understand and comply with instructions.
• Encourage Social Interactions: Arrange playdates or enrol children in group activities to build social skills.
• Develop Self-Regulation Skills: Teach calming techniques like deep breathing, using visual schedules, and recognizing emotions.

4. Work with Educators for Individualised Support

If a child is enrolled in school but struggles with readiness skills, teachers can implement strategies to support them:

• Use Visual Supports: Visual schedules, step-by-step instructions, and picture cues help children understand expectations.
• Provide Movement Breaks: Short breaks between tasks can help children stay engaged and reduce frustration.
• Offer One-on-One Support: Some children may benefit from additional guidance or small group learning.
• Collaborate with Specialists: Teachers can work alongside therapists or special education staff to create a tailored support plan.

5. Delay School Entry If Needed

In some cases, parents may opt to delay formal schooling by a year if the child needs more time to develop essential skills. Many countries have flexible school entry policies that allow for deferred enrolment when necessary.

6. Maintain Open Communication with Professionals

Regular check-ins with teachers, therapists, and paediatricians can help parents track progress and adjust strategies as needed. It’s important to take a team-based approach in supporting the child’s development.

Final Thoughts

School readiness is not about meeting a strict set of expectations but rather ensuring that a child has the foundational skills to thrive in a structured learning environment. By exploring early intervention, transitional programs, home-based strategies, and individualised school support, parents and teachers can help children build confidence and skills at their own pace. With the right approach, every child can be set up for success in their educational journey.

Written by Ummul Hadhirah, Lead Senior Behaviour Therapist of Miles Autism Academy