Speech Pathology · Yagoona
Getting Ready for School
Building the language, listening and early literacy skills that help children start Kindergarten feeling confident.
Overview
Why Language Matters for Starting School
Starting school is a big step. Children are suddenly expected to follow group instructions, answer questions, explain their ideas, make friends and begin learning to read. All of these depend on strong communication skills.
Children who start school with language or speech difficulties can find the classroom overwhelming. They may struggle to follow what the teacher says, find it hard to join in with peers, or fall behind when reading instruction begins.
The year before school is a valuable window. With the right support, children can build the skills they need to settle in, learn and enjoy school from day one.
Signs & symptoms
Signs Your Child May Need Support
Every child develops differently. If any of the signs below sound familiar, it's worth reaching out for a professional opinion, even if you're not sure.
If your child is starting Kindergarten next year and you have any concerns, now is the ideal time for an assessment.
What to expect
Our Assessment Process
We know assessments can feel daunting. Our process is thorough but warm, and we take our time to understand your child as a whole person.
Initial Enquiry
Refer through our online form or give us a call. We'll chat about your child and any concerns from home or preschool.
Assessment Appointment
We see children in our Yagoona clinic or via telehealth. Beforehand, we'll ask for any preschool or childcare reports.
During the Assessment
Through play and age-appropriate activities, we look at your child's understanding, speech, sentences, storytelling and early literacy skills such as rhyming and sound awareness.
Feedback and Next Steps
We share our first impressions on the day. You'll then receive a clear, jargon-free report with our findings and recommendations, which you can share with your child's school if you choose.
Initial Enquiry
Refer through our online form or give us a call. We'll chat about your child and any concerns from home or preschool.
Assessment Appointment
We see children in our Yagoona clinic or via telehealth. Beforehand, we'll ask for any preschool or childcare reports.
During the Assessment
Through play and age-appropriate activities, we look at your child's understanding, speech, sentences, storytelling and early literacy skills such as rhyming and sound awareness.
Feedback and Next Steps
We share our first impressions on the day. You'll then receive a clear, jargon-free report with our findings and recommendations, which you can share with your child's school if you choose.
Therapy
How We Help
Therapy is playful and focused on the skills your child will use every day at school. We work on listening, understanding, speaking in sentences, telling stories, and the early sound skills that make learning to read easier.
Working together
We'll give you simple activities to do at home, and with your consent, we can share information with your child's preschool or new school so the transition goes smoothly.
What we work on
- Following classroom instructions
- Answering questions and explaining ideas
- Vocabulary and sentence building
- Storytelling and retelling
- Phonological awareness, such as rhyming and hearing sounds in words
- Clear speech, if sounds are making your child hard to understand
Language for Learning
Building the vocabulary, understanding and sentence skills children use in the classroom.
Early Literacy Skills
Playful activities that develop sound awareness, the foundation for learning to read.
Transition Support
With your consent, sharing information with preschool and school so your child is supported from day one.
What families can expect
What Progress Can Look Like
We set measurable goals and track progress carefully, so you always know where your child is and where they're heading.
Ready to start? Our team is happy to answer your questions. There's no obligation, just a friendly conversation.
Refer NowCommon questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Our full FAQ page covers many more topics, or just give us a call and we'll help.
Related services
Related Services
Other areas our team supports. If you're not sure which is right for you, contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.
Language Delays
Assessment and therapy for children whose understanding or use of language is behind expectations.
Learn moreReady to Get Started?
Not sure if this is the right fit? Contact us and we'll help you figure out the next step.
Prefer to talk? Call us on (02) 9052 6095