PCYC Queensland helping parents and children get ready for Prep!
For many children and families, the thought of starting Prep or ‘big school’ can be an equally exciting and daunting prospect. And for some, this also involves starting outside school hours care (OSHC) – meaning before school care, after school care, or both.
Whilst some children may be familiar with attending an early learning service already, we know that the progression from home to school is a huge step. At PCYC Queensland we recognise this is an important milestone for both children and parents alike, and we’re here to help you get ready for the transition.
Although most commonly known as a leading charity providing youth and community services, PCYC Queensland is also one of the state’s largest approved OSHC providers.
With over 100 services across Queensland supporting more than 25,000 children each year, our dedicated and experienced OSHC teams are with you every step of the way to help ensure your family’s transition to school and outside school hours care is a positive and successful one.
And the great part is, our OSHC families become part of the PCYC Queensland community, where you can access your local PCYC Queensland club and all the benefits it offers!
Our programs
PCYC Queensland OSHC services value the importance of play in childhood, and we are committed to providing a safe and fun service for your child. All our OSHC services are tailored to each local community, and we develop programs that meet the needs of children, families and their schools. We know that each child, class and school is different, however we tailor our procedures to ensure a smooth and supportive transition from the classroom into our PCYC OSHC environment.
Each PCYC Queensland OSHC program is developed to include a balance of play, learning, respect, awareness, safety and leadership. We provide a safe and fair environment to allow all children to further develop school readiness skills including self-care, attention and concentration, physical skills, emotional regulation, and language, play and social skills. Our experienced and innovative Educators also support your children’s efforts to enhance their self-esteem and independence.
Mum of three Juliet Grigg loves PCYC OSHC, and all three children have attended the same service over the years.
“Our three children have all attended PCYC OSHC for before and after school care, and even during vacations. Our kids love it. It’s a great opportunity for them to spend more time with their classmates in a safe environment, and there are so many different activities for them to do and the carers are all dedicated and look after the kids so well,” said Ms Grigg.
“PCYC OSHC is so important for us as it allows my husband and I to work, knowing that our kids are being well cared for, and more importantly, that they’re having fun.”
Key elements for a successful transition
In helping parents and children get ready for Prep and starting school aged care, at PCYC Queensland we believe there are several key elements involved in a successful transition, including:
Orientation
Become familiar with your PCYC OSHC service! We encourage you to visit the service, observe the spaces and meet the Educators who will be engaging with your child.
Preparing for the transition
New locations can be overwhelming! Where possible, we welcome and encourage new Prep children to attend vacation care during January to meet the Educators, make new friends and become familiar with a multi-age environment before school starts.
Parental engagement
We actively seek and encourage families to get involved in the service! Parents’ ideas, experiences and skills are greatly valued and enable us to extend each child’s interests, abilities and knowledge.
School partnership
PCYC OSHC works alongside your school to ensure a smooth and supportive transition, and Prep children are escorted to and from their classrooms in Before and After School Care to ensure they are supervised and supported to and from school.
Our experienced and supportive PCYC Queensland OSHC teams are here to support you and your child’s safe and happy transition to Prep and outside school hours care.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family into the PCYC Queensland OSHC community!
To find out more and how you can enrol your Prep child, please contact us today.