School Holiday Group Programs

Getting Ready for Education – a group program for children preparing to start preschool, kindy, or school.

At Day by Day Early Intervention, we know that starting preschool, kindergarten, or school is a big step for children and their families. Big School, Little Steps is a play-based group program designed to help children build the communication, social, motor, and self-regulation skills that set them up for a smooth, confident transition into an education setting.

Led together by experienced Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, sessions are warm, structured, and full of the kinds of activities children will meet in their first classroom: circle time, group games, craft, story time, and movement play. Parents attend alongside their child, so the strategies we use in the room can carry straight into home and everyday routines.

When it runs
We run two intakes each year, timed to support the two main entry points into South Australian schools and preschools:

    • Beginning-of-year intake. Running in the weeks leading up to Term 1, for children starting preschool, kindergarten, or Reception at the start of the school year.
    • Mid-year intake. Running in the weeks leading up to Term 3, for children with mid-year preschool or kindy starts.

Each intake is a structured block of weekly 2-hour sessions so children get the benefit of repetition, familiar routines, and a consistent peer group in the lead-up to their first day.

Who it’s for
Children aged 3 to 6 who are preparing to start preschool, kindergarten, or school, and would benefit from extra support with:

    • Following group routines and instructions
    • Listening, attention, and waiting their turn
    • Talking with peers, joining in, and making friends
    • Fine motor skills for drawing, cutting, and early writing
    • Gross motor skills and coordination for the playground
    • Emotional regulation, confidence, and independence
    • Self-care skills like opening lunchboxes, toileting, and managing belongings

What a session looks like
Each 2-hour session is co-led by a Speech Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist, with parents in attendance throughout. Sessions follow a predictable classroom-style rhythm so children know what to expect:

    • Welcome and circle time
    • A communication or social activity (story, group game, show-and-tell)
    • A fine or gross motor activity (craft, obstacle course, playground skills)
    • Snack time, practising lunchbox skills and conversation
    • A short parent coaching segment, where the therapists unpack what was targeted in the session and how to extend it at home
    • Pack-up, goodbye song, and home time

Children get to rehearse the routines of a classroom in a small, supported group, before they meet them in a busy one. Parents leave each session with practical strategies they can use straight away.

Why families choose Big School, Little Steps

    • Dual-discipline approach. Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy together, so the whole picture of school readiness is covered.
    • Parents attend every session. You see exactly what we’re working on and how, and take home strategies that fit your family.
    • Play-based learning. Engaging, hands-on, and designed around children’s interests.
    • Small group sizes. Individualised attention with real peer interaction.
    • Led by experienced Therapists. Qualified Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists in every session.
    • NDIS-friendly. Sessions can be funded through your child’s NDIS plan (Capacity Building).

How to Book

Spots are limited, so secure your child’s place today!