When kids prepare to scamper off to school for the first time, parents grow concerned about their kindergarten readiness. The following is a guideline that parents can use when determining their child's school preparedness.
Before children enter kindergarten, they should have reached the following academic milestones:
According to the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets, Early Childhood Educators #3, “Children with more preschool experience (center based or licensed family home care) displayed fewer stress behaviors during the early weeks of kindergarten because they have already adapted to separation from their primary caregiver, met and interacted with new peers, accepted new authority figures, been exposed to new routines . . .”
When assessing children’s emotional readiness for kindergarten, parents should remember that it helps when children are able to do the following before entering school:
Before entering kindergarten, children should have reached the following social milestones:
According to the United States Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, the qualities that public school kindergarten teachers consider essential for school readiness are that children be physically healthy, rested, and well-nourished; have the ability to verbally communicate needs, wants, and thoughts; and have enthusiasm and curiosity in approaching new activities.
Kindergarten teachers are trained to understand that development in kids will vary. They are ready to partner with parents in an effort to make each child’s transition to kindergarten a success.
US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed: 3/06/08
University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets #3. Kindergarten Readiness. Accessed: 3/06/08