As parents, one of the biggest milestones we look forward to is our child starting school. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be a little daunting - especially when it comes to helping your child adjust to new routines, environments, and friendships. At Milestones Early Learning, we understand the importance of preparing children for this transition, and we believe that one of the most powerful ways to build their confidence is through the friendships they form during their early years.
How Early Childhood Friendships Ease the Transition to School
The friendships children make during their early learning journey play a crucial role in their emotional and social development. These early connections offer children a sense of belonging, security, and comfort - three things that are incredibly important as they take the big step into primary school.
Starting school can be overwhelming, but when children know they’ll have familiar faces by their side, the experience becomes less daunting. Having friends who will transition with them to the same primary school helps ease anxieties and fosters a sense of excitement about starting this new chapter together.
At Milestones Early Learning, we see this first-hand: children building strong bonds with their peers in a nurturing, supportive environment, gaining the confidence they need to thrive in new settings.
How Milestones Educators Support Early Friendships
Our educators at Milestones are more than just teachers - they’re facilitators of friendships. Through group activities, play-based learning, and collaborative projects, they create opportunities for children to connect with one another. Whether it’s through a shared game or working on a fun craft project, children learn to cooperate, communicate, and form lasting friendships.
Our play-based learning approach is key to fostering social interactions, helping children develop vital skills such as empathy, patience, and teamwork. These activities not only allow children to bond but also teach them important life skills that will support their journey through school and beyond. You can read more about our approach on our Affinity Education Lifelong Learning Curriculum page.
We focus on fostering positive social interactions that help children build trust and empathy. These skills are not only critical for forming friendships but are also essential for their broader development as they prepare for school.
Why Friendships Are Key to Building Confidence
Early friendships don’t just ease the transition to school; they also play a huge role in building your child’s confidence. When children feel accepted and supported by their peers, they become more confident in exploring the world around them, trying new activities, and engaging with others.
At Milestones, we encourage children to take part in group play and activities that promote teamwork and problem-solving. These interactions allow children to develop their social skills, giving them the confidence to form new friendships when they start school.
Strong social connections help children feel safe, secure, and understood - key ingredients in boosting their self-esteem and confidence, both in and out of the classroom. Friendships built during early childhood serve as a strong emotional foundation, ensuring children feel ready to face new environments and challenges.
From Child Care to Primary School: A Shared Journey
One of the most heartwarming parts of our work at Milestones Early Learning is seeing the friendships that blossom in our centres continue as children move on to primary school. We often hear from parents that their children feel more at ease on the first day of school because they know they will be joining their best friends from child care.
Friendships built at Milestones help children feel emotionally secure, knowing they’ll be walking into school with familiar faces by their side. This shared journey, from child care to primary school, creates a sense of continuity, easing the nerves that often come with such a big transition.
Book a Tour and See for Yourself!
If you're looking for a child care centre that not only prepares your child for school but also fosters friendships that will help them feel confident and ready for the next big step, find your nearest Milestones Early Learning Centre and book a tour today. Our centres offer the perfect balance of nurturing care, play-based learning, and a supportive environment where lifelong friendships can flourish.
To learn more about how you can secure your child's spot at Milestones, check out our post: How to Get Your Child Into Your Preferred Child Care Centre Quickly: A Checklist for Parents.