Pre-schoolers (3–5 years)
The preschool years are an exciting time as they bring new opportunities for learning, friendships, and independence.
It is generally recommended that children with Down syndrome attend their local preschool alongside children their own age. This helps them participate in everyday learning experiences and be included in their community. In Ireland, additional support in early years settings is available through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) programme, which helps ensure children with additional needs can fully participate in preschool life.
Most children attend preschool for two years. During this time, they continue to develop important skills in communication, movement, social interaction, and independence. The final year in preschool often focuses more on preparing your child for the transition to primary school.
Communication
At this stage, children often understand much more language than they are yet able to say. Speech may still be delayed, so it’s important to support all forms of communication: spoken words, gestures, visuals, and Lámh signs.
Children with Down syndrome are strong visual learners, so visual cues and consistent routines can help build understanding and encourage language development both at home and in preschool.
Programmes like See and Learn are specifically designed to support speech and language development in children with Down syndrome. At Down Syndrome Ireland, we highly recommend this programme and offer regular training sessions for families and preschool staff, so it can be implemented at home or in the classroom.
Physical Development
During the preschool years, children continue to develop new physical skills such as running, climbing, using a scooter, and playing on playground equipment. These gross motor activities help strengthen core muscles, improve balance and coordination, and support the development of fine motor skills.
Preschool activities like puzzles, building with blocks, threading beads, and colouring on an easel help develop hand strength and coordination. Children can practise these skills both at home and in preschool. Everyday activities like stirring or rolling dough are also great ways to encourage the use of both hands together, which supports school skills like writing and everyday tasks such as dressing.
Social Development
The preschool years are an important time for building social skills. Children begin learning to take turns, share, and play with others. These skills grow through everyday interactions at home with family and friends, and in preschool with their peers.
Supporting your child’s communication will also support their social development, as both go hand in hand. When children can express themselves and understand others, it becomes easier to form relationships. Many families and preschools find it helpful to learn Lámh signs so the child can communicate more easily, especially if speech is still emerging.
While social skills develop naturally through play, some children may need a little extra support. Give your child plenty of opportunities to join in with others, both at home and in preschool. These early experiences help lay the foundation for future friendships and emotional well-being.
Growing Independence
Children at this stage are learning to do more for themselves. While they still need support, this is a good time to encourage independence with small, everyday tasks like feeding themselves, helping to dress, tidying up, or learning to use the toilet.
Gaining confidence with self-help skills will prepare your child for school and support their sense of autonomy.
Getting Ready for School
The final year of preschool is a great time to start preparing for the transition to primary school. You can support your child by helping them follow simple instructions, participate in group activities, and follow classroom routines.
Structured learning programmes designed for children with additional needs, such as See and Learn (early literacy), Handwriting Without Tears, and Numicon (early maths), help build the foundation for reading, writing, and numeracy. These programmes can also be continued into primary school.
It’s also a good time to encourage independence with everyday tasks like managing their coat, bag, or lunchbox, using the toilet, and completing simple tasks independently. While children still need support, the aim is always to build confidence and independence.
Support for Families and Preschools
Down Syndrome Ireland provides a range of supports for both parents and educators. We offer training sessions and webinars on key topics such as the See and Learn programmes, Lámh, preparing for preschool, supporting toilet training, and preparing to move to primary school. You can check our training calendar for details of upcoming sessions.
Our Early Intervention Specialist is also available for consultations with parents and preschool staff. These can be arranged online or in person at our National Office in Dublin.
Each year, we run a dedicated webinar on preparing for primary school. We encourage all parents and educators to attend, as it helps ensure children are confident, well-supported, and ready to start primary school.
To learn more or book a consultation, please contact us at silvia@downsyndrome.ie
