Little Links School Readiness Program
From the moment your child walks through the door, the goal is to create a learner able to learn and function within a group environment.
Welcome to the Little Links Program!
We understand that starting school can be a big step for your little one, and we’re here to make that journey smoother.
At Little Links, we’re here to help your child shine!
Our program is all about growing their unique strengths and skills, building confidence, and creating a strong foundation for school and beyond. With a focus on communication and adapting to new routines, we empower your little one to take on daily life with a smile.
Our program supports your child in meeting their NDIS goals by enhancing skills for social participation and daily activities.
In Summary Little Links is…
- A school readiness program for children with developmental delays and/or disability including autism
- suitable for kids aged 3 to 6
- delivered in school terms Tuesdays to Thursdays 9 am to 3pm
- one to one ratio in a small group setting in our Little Links Clinic in Ryde
What Do We Offer?
The Little Links Program centres on preparing children for school in a structured group setting
Families who join our Little Links program are looking for interventions that effectively teach the pre-requisite skills their child must have to be successful in a group learning environment including social skills, transitions and routines. Little Links is designed to empower children with the skills they need to confidently participate in group environments and navigate daily routines.
Children who join our little links program are looking for help to learn pre-requisite skills to be successful in a group learning environment including social skills, transitions and routines:
Program Highlights: What your child will learn
A typical day in Little links follows most of the routines that happen at “Big School”
Positive Outcomes for Little Linkers
- Strengthening communication skills: Helping your child express their wants and needs confidently, improving their interactions with others.
- Building play and social skills: Encouraging positive connections with peers through guided play and cooperative activities.
- Enhancing emotional self-regulation: Supporting your child in managing big feelings, reducing impulsivity, and adapting smoothly to transitions.
- Boosting confidence and independence: Empowering your child to actively participate in daily routines and activities, enhancing quality of life.
How Our Programs Work
Our programs are grounded in proven, evidence-based practices designed to help your child achieve meaningful and lasting progress. Programming is based on the Preschool Life Skills program, a research-based, supplemental curriculum developed by Dr. Gregory Hanley https://ftfbc.com/our-team/gregory-hanley/ and colleagues that provides a set of tools to help teach important social and life skills for school success. Several research studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the PLS program across various types of early childhood settings with increases in positive social behaviours and decreases in challenging behaviour for children both with and without disabilities.
Using a holistic approach incorporating Positive Behaviour Support and the scientific principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), we create personalised strategies to develop intervention targets that are meaningful to the child and family.
At the heart of our approach are the foundational ‘learning-to-learn’ skills: communication, toleration, instruction following and social skills. These essential skills are carefully woven into every aspect of our Little Links school readiness routines, helping your child develop the confidence and ability to thrive in group settings and everyday activities. By combining research-backed methods with a nurturing and supportive environment, we ensure your child is equipped with the tools they need to grow, connect, and succeed.
Our Approach
We understand that every child is unique, and our Little Links School Readiness program is carefully designed with their individual needs in mind. An experienced Therapy Supervisor oversees the program, ensuring your child’s journey is guided by expert knowledge and care of your child’s strengths, challenges, goals and preferences.
Your child will also benefit from 1-on-1 support from our skilled Therapy Assistants, all within a small, nurturing group environment. To keep you informed and involved, our entire team meets regularly to evaluate your child’s progress and prepare a personalized Little Links End of Term Report.
This summative report shares how your child is meeting their goals and highlights the skills they are building to thrive at school and beyond.
Program Schedule
Little Links sessions are held at our clinic in Ryde, running from 9am–3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during school terms.
We know how important it is to stay connected, which is why we use the Homeroom App to send you regular updates. Through pictures and videos, you’ll see your child’s progress firsthand as they explore new skills, make friends, and grow in confidence.
What Do You Need To Know?
Our Little Links program runs during school terms, with each term lasting 10 weeks.
To get the most from the program, families need to be able to commit to at least one session per week, held from 9am–3pm on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at our Ryde clinic.
To access this program, families will need to have appropriate NDIS funding available under relevant support categories. This typically includes funding for Early Childhood Supports Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building) Our team is happy to help you understand how your funding can support your child’s participation in this transformative program.
How do I know Little Links will help my child?
A parent consultation and assessment are undertaken with you and your child to define your goals and understand their individual learning needs for successful group participation. A comprehensive report is sent prior to commencement of the Little Links Program.
Your child’s progress
is evaluated weekly
Our entire team meet separately to evaluate your child’s progress during the Little Links term resulting in a Little Links End of Term Report outlining your child’s progress against goals.
Little Links uses evidence-based practices to teach routines and general classroom expectations helping to bridge the gap between one to one instruction and group learning environments such as Day Care or School.
Your child may develop their skills over time. A weekly evaluation tracks progress so some children may take two plus terms to be ready for school.
