Parents' beliefs, perceptions and practices: Influence on child school readiness in Western Sydney, Australia

Beliefs, practices and perceptions of early child development informing school readiness were examined for parents of preschool-aged children living in one multicultural suburb in Western Sydney, Australia. Survey data (N = 87) and semi-structured interviews (N = 52) with parents were collected in public spaces (e.g., parks, libraries, church halls and community centres) in mid-2019. Participants, primarily migrants of South Asian background, believed children learn through practical activities, prioritising academic and social development, with less focus on emotional development and communication skills. Parents' approached school readiness through the engagement of children in shared activities that maintained traditional cultural practices while simultaneously seeking to create community connection. Raising awareness of and engagement in both formal (e.g., early education services) and informal services (e.g., playgroups, library groups) could provide migrant and refugee parents with supportive networks in their local communities. Offering subsidies for attendance at early childhood programmes may reduce costs and encourage attendance, particularly for outdoor activities, helping to establish support networks for parents and children before starting primary school. These connections may provide families with a pathway for the identification and access of other local services and supports for their children. Programmes could also offer a platform for raising parental awareness of a holistic approach to child development and its importance for school success. Incorporating multicultural activities into early childhood programmes and settings could further assist parents in maintaining traditional cultural ties while creating essential local community connections.

Automated summary

This study examined the beliefs, practices, and perceptions of parents of preschool-aged children in a multicultural suburb in Western Sydney regarding school readiness. Findings showed that parents, primarily migrants of South Asian background, believed in practical learning and emphasized academic and social development. They approached school readiness by engaging children in shared activities that maintained traditional cultural practices while seeking community connection.