Preparing for Kindergarten
Families are their child's first and most important teacher. Your involvement in their learning is critical to both in preparing them as they enter school and over the course of their educational career.
All the experience, care and learning opportunities your child receives from birth to five years of age contribute to their school readiness. The resources below will help you find information and tools to support you in your role as your child's first teacher.
Kindergarten Readiness
Parents and families have a very important role as their child's first teacher. Children learn in different ways and at different rates. They come to school with varying skills. You'll notice that a child who is ready for kindergarten has skills in many distinct areas, such as:
Self-care and getting along with others
Physical abilities like moving and handling a pencil or crayon, a fork or chopsticks
Listening and speaking
Thinking and problem solving
Recognizing letters and their sounds, and playing with words
Counting and sorting; recognizing shapes and sizes
Personal safety and awareness of one's name, home address, etc.
In order to help parents and guardians to recognize the abilities typical of most 5- and 6-year old children, the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) is a great resource.
Public Libraries
Reading, talking and singing with your child is a easy way to build their vocabulary and help them get ready for school. Visiting public libraries, even before children can read exposes, them to the love of books and libraries provide free children's story times and checking out books and music is free. Visit your local public library for more information.
Parent Resources to Support Early Learning and Kindergarten Readiness
The Foundation for Early Learning offers resources to help families promote reading, enhance early language development, and prepare their child for kindergarten.
Resource for Daycare/Preschool