SCHOOL ReadY, a play-based learning program, has been rolled out across Y WA early learning centres including at Brabham and Yappara House in South Guildford.

The program is designed to support three to five-year-old children giving them the best start to formal schooling and enabling them to flourish both in school and beyond.

In a statement Y WA said it had developed the program to engage children and get them school ready.

“School readiness refers to the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by a child, so that when they commence formal schooling they can successfully engage in learning. In development for over two years, the Y WA School ReadY program is informed by a contemporary understanding of the science of early childhood learning and brain development,’’ the statement said.

“It focusses on building success in three developmental domains including literacy and language, social and emotional wellbeing, and numeracy.

“The program is initially focussing on early literacy and oral language through play-based, fun learning experiences.”

Y WA chief executive officer Tim McDonald said reading was the key to learning so if children were taught the early literacy and oral language skills that prepared them to learn to read once they got to school, they would have a greater opportunity to thrive.

“The foundations of School ReadY will provide the keys to learning, giving children a head start,” Dr McDonald said.

“The first five years of a child’s life is crucial for their development and learning.

“We recognise how important the years before formal schooling are to assist children to develop the foundational knowledge to enable them to flourish at school.

“That’s why we’ve developed this program for our early learning centres to educate children on being school ready.”

Dr McDonald is a leading authority on student learning and engagement and has led the program with recognised experts in their fields.

Edith Cowan University researcher Dr Simmone Pogorzelski developed the literacy and language component in partnership with Knowledge Society and Y WA educators.

Dr Tessa Weadman from La Trobe University Science of Language and Reading Lab reviewed the language components, and both were instrumental in facilitating a pilot of the program and evaluated its impact.

Y WA has also appointed literacy specialist Renee Chakaodza to provide ongoing support and coaching to educators as they implement the program.

Dr McDonald said school readiness was often perceived as being able to sit on a mat quietly, being able to get your lunchbox ready, use scissors or being able to listen to a story.

“But evidence shows the brain is so receptive at this young age and there is so much more we can do to prepare children for success at school and beyond,’’ he said.

“Our focus on the early years is a commitment to prioritising prevention and early intervention.”