'After 25 years of working in childcare, this is the one thing I wish every parent knew.'

Thanks to our brand partner, GOODSTART EARLY LEARNING

Starting preschool or kindergarten isn't just a big milestone for your kid — it's one for you too.

Whether you're feeling proud, teary, nervous (or all three before 9am), that first drop-off sticks with you.

Maybe your little one clings to your leg like mine did (firstborn energy) or maybe they disappear before you've finished saying goodbye (second kid vibes). 

Either way, it's the start of something big: your kid becoming more independent and you learning to let go… just a little.

Nicole Roberson, Senior Educator at Goodstart Early Learning Virginia, has spent the past 25 years guiding families through this exact transition.

"It's not just about getting children ready for school," Nicole said. "It's about helping parents feel confident too."

And after two decades in early learning, she's got a pretty good sense of what really matters — so she's here to break it down for us.

Early learning that works — for kids and parents.

"It goes beyond learning to write their name or sit in a group," Nicole said.

"Before your child can even hold a pencil properly, they need the gross motor skills to support it. Climbing, building, threading — it's all part of the process. We're not rushing them; we're guiding them through every step."

Goodstart Early Learning's preschool and kindergarten programs are government-approved and funded, designed for kids aged three to five and focused on what really helps them thrive — emotionally, socially and academically.

Their preschool and kindergarten programs are not only to prepare kids for school and give them the best possible start — but to help parents feel calm and informed about what's ahead.

Programs are led by bachelor-qualified teachers who've spent four years mastering early childhood education. And the curriculum promotes school readiness by following Goodstart's national Three to Five Years Outcomes Framework.

The benefits go beyond the classroom.

Yes, the learning matters — but so does your sanity.

Because when you're parenting a preschooler, it's less about perfect routines and more about making breakfast while avoiding a yoghurt explosion and answering existential questions about dinosaurs. 

Luckily, the perks at Goodstart Early Learning go way beyond phonics. 

Think: Flexible hours that mean you're not sprinting to make a 3pm pick-up like it's an Olympic sport and having nutritious meals provided (goodbye lunchbox battles).

Add in proper rest routines, all-weather play (because rain shouldn't ruin everyone's day) and a rhythm that actually works for little humans — and you've got a setup that's built for real life.

And honestly? That's the kind of backup every parent needs.

You can make the transition more seamless.

As "big school" approaches, early learning plays a vital role in building the soft skills that make the transition smoother.

"Emotional resilience, independence and social development are just as important as knowing letters or numbers," Nicole said.

That's where early learning programs shine. 

They introduce school routines in age-appropriate ways, incorporating things like group time, local school excursions and chats about what school's really like (spoiler: there's way less Playdough).

But it's not just about prepping kids for school. It's also about prepping schools for the kids.

"We work closely with local schools," Nicole explained. "We share insights, expectations and help ensure a smooth transition, with the goal of setting every child up for success."

Translation: Fewer first-day tears. Yours included.

What parents often get wrong.

After 25 years, Nicole's heard her fair share of myths. 

One of the biggest? That childcare isn't "real" learning.

"That's just not true," she said. 

"We offer meaningful learning all day long. The more time children have, the more chances they have to extend their thinking. It's not just play — it's purposeful."

Another common myth? That kids should be busy with fun hands-on activities all day, every day.

"Fun is important," Nicole said. "But so is teaching children to take turns, focus and work through a problem. It's not all about glitter, glue and singing. Sometimes, it's about learning how to wait."

Tips for starting school.

Nicole's helped many families through the preschool jump and her advice? 

Keep it simple, keep it calm.

She recommended talking about school often and casually — nothing too serious, just little chats that help it feel familiar and exciting. 

Visiting the centre together is another great way to build comfort, so your child knows exactly where they're going and who'll be there.

"Try not to let your own nerves show," Nicole suggested. "Children are like tiny emotional mirrors: if you're feeling anxious, they'll likely reflect it right back."

Her other top tip? Find your people. 

Playdates, chats at drop-off, shared "wait, is it dress-up day?" confusion — connecting with other parents helps. For your kid, it builds social confidence. And for you, it's moral support.

The one key takeaway.

If Nicole could shout one message from the sandpit, it's this: Stop comparing your child to everyone else's.

So your friend's kid can write their name in cursive and yours is still trying to eat crayons? Totally fine. 

Development isn't a race — it's more of a weird, wobbly dance that every kid figures out in their own time.

"Confidence and curiosity — that's what really matters," Nicole said. "Celebrate who your child is now, not just who they're becoming."

Because starting preschool and kindergarten isn't about being "ahead" or "behind" — it's about embracing the wonderfully unique little person you've got. 

To book a tour at your nearest Goodstart Early Learning Centre, head to their website.

Feature Image: Goodstart Early Learning.

Goodstart's kindergarten and preschool programs are designed and delivered by bachelor-qualified teachers.
They give children the skills and confidence they need to prepare them for school and for life. With 660 centres across Australia, you'll likely find a Goodstart kindergarten or preschool near you.