Kindergarten Ready or Not
Your little one is growing so fast and here comes another part of our journey letting go, Kindergarten ready or not. If your child has not been in childcare yet your local public school may offer PreppyK or TK which helps parents and little ones get ready for Kindergarten. Lets get started with the basics of both.
Transitional Kindergarten
Sometimes called Preppy K is a program that serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. Its goal is to ensure that developmentally younger children are ready for kindergarten and beyond. Its usually taught by a credentialed teacher. It prioritizes purposeful structured and play small group instruction to nurture social-emotional development, fine and gross motor skills as well as speech development. This is all part of “The Kindergarten Readiness Act” (SB 1381)
Kindergarten Requirements
Starting kindergarten is not just about being 5 years old, its also about when your little one will turn 5, There is a cut off date to enter kindergarten your child must turn 5 on or before September 1st of the current year in order to enter kindergarten in the upcoming school year. Your child will also have to have their 5 year immunizations unless you have a medical exemption. Contact your local school district for required documents for enrollment.
Kindergarten Days
Most schools have transitioned to full day kindergarten. Full-time kindergarten students essentially get more time to interact with others during purposeful play, physical education, computer lab instruction, library sessions, music and movement, art, hands-on science and other extended lessons.
Kindergarten Teachers
Kindergarten Teachers rely on their parent relationship to help little ones through the transition into Kindergarten. Parents will be informed by daily notes or a colored card to indicate how thier day went. Parents should never feel like they are unable to talk to the teacher, if you feel that you would like to have a meeting with your childs teacher let them know or call the school office to set up an appointment.
Kindegarten Snacks
Make sure to pack snacks and water for your little one simple snacks like granola bars, snack bars, crackers, fruit bars, fruit leather, and freeze-dried and dried fruit all things that won’t spoil should they hang out in your little ones bag (or in a backpack) for a while. Please be mindful of food allergies of other children, the teachers and support staff look out and separate kids with allergies to avoid any reactions.
Kindergarten Pick Up
When it’s time for pick up remember your little one has had a long day and needs time to decompress. Having some quiet time to just enjoy being together again. They have so much to share with you about their day. Kindergarten is not mandatory but it is a great stepping stone in the journey of your little ones education.
