Helping abused kids prepare for school

Starting school is a huge milestone in everybody’s life. Most people can usually even remember their first day and how nervous they felt.

But for kids who’ve experienced abuse or sustained neglect, starting school can be like climbing Mt Everest – with no equipment! The kids who attend our unique ACT for Kids kindy are profoundly affected by violence, or a lack of care and attention from their parents.

Most of the skills mums and dads normally teach their children by this age – how to share, follow instructions, be patient, use manners, and interact with others – are missing. They can be malnourished, lack speech, and react unpredictably because of fear and anxiety.

How we help

Our special education teachers work wonders to help kids reach a point where they can enter the mainstream school system. Together with other specialist staff, they come up with a personal development plan for every child. They help kids relax, become comfortable with routines, feel good about themselves, and learn the social skills which are critical to coping in “big school”.

Our kindy program also opens kids’ eyes to experiences most of us would take for granted. Activities like trips to the zoo or baking a cake, simple but unknown pleasures to them, can help them learn and grow in confidence.

At the end of each year we hold a special graduation ceremony, and at the start of the following year we liaise with our kids’ new school teachers to make sure they are coping in their new setting.