Is my child ready for Kindergarten?
Beginning the school journey for your child is a big decision. Between the need for child care, excitement for what lies ahead and just being new to parenting, it can be hard for parents to know whether their three-and-a-half year old is ready.
Overall there are four developmental factors to consider: a budding interest in independence and friendship, the ability to communicate needs, a developing sense of social emotional stability, and the ability to sit still for short periods of time.
If you feel your child might be ready, consider these questions:
How well does my child handle separation? How do they handle new experiences?
Are they expressing interest in being independent?
Are they able to communicate their needs to an adult?
Does my child have experience in larger groups of (12-14) children ~ and how do they respond? Is my child showing signs that they are interested in making friends?
Is my child beginning to form impulse control?
Are they beginning to share? Can they take turns?
How does my child handle transitions?
How does my child recover when navigating unexpected situations, or are unable to “get their way”?
Can my child toilet independently- pulling up & down their pants, washing hands?
Can my child dress themselves with some help?
Does my child participate in routines and tasks at home to care for their personal needs?
Are they able to follow one- or two-step directions?
Is my child able to sit at the table for a meal, or listen to an oral story (10-15 minutes)?
Do they get a solid 11-13 hours of sleep each day (nap included)?
Is my child able to be engaged in activity until after 1pm without growing too tired?
Thriving in our kindergarten program necessitates a level of competence in all of these areas. Of course, a three year old is working towards full independence. If they aren’t generally on their way, or one or more of these questions raises a red flag in your mind, they likely need more time at home.
Allowing your child to step into school life when they are truly ready is a gift to them. And if while you wait you would like to better support your child’s growth in these directions, we invite you to enroll in our parent-child classes where you will find a community of education and support for you and your child. We also recommend these resources for wonderful at-home support~ WeNurture Collective‘s on-demand workshop to learn how to create a nourishing daily rhythm, and Faith Collins’ (author of Joyful Toddlers and Preschoolers) wonderful article about involving children in household tasks.