Below is a list of skills student need prior to entering kindergarten on the first day of school. Exposure to a set of skills prior to kindergarten, whether that be preschool, day care, or assistance at home, is essential to school success. Students who enter school without a set of age appropriate and developmental skills are already behind many of their peers. A set of language, reading readiness, math and self-help skills are listed below to assist parents preparing students for kindergarten.