Starting kindergarten can be an exciting time for young children and their families. But as children move from early childhood programs or daycare into kindergarten, parents may begin feeling a sense of uncertainty. For parents of children with disabilities, the transition can raise a new set of questions. Many may wonder if their child is truly ready to start school. School readiness is not something you have to figure out alone. Families and schools should work together to help every child get off to a great start. Every child develops in their own way and at their own pace, and everyone must work together to provide the support they need to be successful from the very beginning.
Kindergarten readiness involves much more than recognizing letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. Children can also benefit from developing strong communication and social skills, the ability to follow routines, curiosity for learning, and independence skills to strengthen their learning. There are other everyday skills that can help children learn in the classroom, build relationships, and feel more confident as they begin a new chapter. Being able to do things like ask for help, follow simple directions, share with others, and adjust to a daily routine can help children have a smoother and more successful transition to kindergarten.
By understanding key readiness areas, parents can recognize their child’s strengths, identify additional support they may need, and even feel more confident as they prepare to send their children off for new experiences. Every child has strengths, and every child has areas where they are still growing. Taking time to recognize both helps you and your child’s school work together to provide the support and encouragement your child needs to have a strong start.
The next sections will explain key kindergarten readiness skills and provide information you can use at home to help your child. Just a little practice each day can make a big difference as you prepare for this exciting milestone.
Developmental Areas That Support Kindergarten Readiness
When many people think about kindergarten readiness, they think about learning letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. Those skills are important, but they are only one part of being ready for school. Children also need everyday life skills that help them communicate, make friends, follow directions, and become more independent.
Every child learns and grows at their own pace, and this is especially true for children with disabilities. Because of this, kindergarten readiness looks different for each child. One child may be very independent, while another may not be so independent. One child may be a good communicator or enjoy playing with others, while another may not communicate much. There is no perfect list of skills for children with disabilities.
When you think about your child going to kindergarten, remember the goal is not for them to know or do everything before the first day of school. The goal is to understand where your child is now and their areas of strength and weakness. This will help you and the school work together to provide the support needed to be successful.
The questions below can help you think about your child’s development and their level of readiness. There are no right or wrong answers. You can use the questions to celebrate your child’s strengths and identify those areas where a little more support is needed.
1. Communication
Communication is one of the most important skills your child will use during the school day. It helps them express their wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings, ask for help, answer questions, and build relationships with friends and teachers. Remember, communication is not just talking. All people, including children, communicate in different ways. They may use words, gestures, signs, pictures, or a communication device. Regardless of the method, all forms of communication are important.
As you think about your child’s communication skills, consider the following questions:
- Can my child let someone know when they are hungry, thirsty, hurt, or need to use the restroom?
- Does my child express their thoughts, feelings, and preferences?
- Can my child ask for help when they need it?
- Can my child understand and respond to simple questions or directions?
- Can my child communicate with adults and other children – in a traditional kindergarten classroom – in a way that is best for them?
These skills help children participate in classroom activities, build relationships, solve problems, and get help when they need it during the school day. If your child is still developing some of these skills, that’s okay. Communication grows with time, practice, and proper support.
2. Social Skills
Kindergarten gives children a chance to make many new friends, learn with others, and build relationships with teachers. Skills like sharing, taking turns, and working together are important, and they continue to develop during childhood. Because children participate in activities like circle time, learning centers, and recess, kindergarten provides many ways to develop these skills even more. That does not mean all children will be outgoing or make friends right away, but they will always have the opportunity. The goal should be to help them become comfortable interacting with others.
As you think about your child’s social skills, consider the following questions:
- How does my child interact with adults and other children?
- Does my child respond when someone speaks to them?
- Can my child participate in simple play activities with others?
- Is my child beginning to share, take turns, and cooperate with others?
- Does my child ask a trusted adult for help when needed?
These skills help children feel connected, build friendships, and feel more comfortable in the classroom. Social skills will continue to develop over time, and kindergarten gives children many opportunities to practice them every day.
3. Daily Routines
All kindergarten classrooms follow a schedule that is usually the same each day. As children go through the day, they learn new skills, follow classroom routines, and interact with their teacher and classmates. Those who understand simple routines have an easier time following them in school because they know what to expect.
As you think about your child’s daily routines, consider the following questions:
- Does my child participate in daily routines at home or in an early childhood program?
- Can my child move from one activity to another with no problems?
- Does my child follow simple directions during everyday activities?
- Can my child participate in group activities like story time, meals, or circle time?
- Does my child respond well to picture schedules, verbal reminders, or other supports?
Following regular, structured routines helps children feel more comfortable and confident in new environments, and will help them be more successful in kindergarten. When they get used to new routines, children feel more secure and are able to focus on learning.
4. Curiosity and Learning
Your child does not have to know everything before starting kindergarten. One of the most important things they can do is be curious and willing to learn. Children who enjoy learning, exploring, asking questions, and trying new things build skills that will help them learn for years to come.
As you think about your child’s curiosity and learning, consider the following questions:
- Does my child show curiosity about the world and things around them?
- Does my child have fun learning through play and everyday activities?
- Can my child stay interested in an activity for a few minutes?
- Does my child like exploring books, toys, and having new experiences?
- Is my child willing to try new activities with encouragement and proper support?
Curiosity leads to learning. It helps children discover new ideas, solve problems, and enjoy learning new things. Kindergarten is where children can continue developing these skills.
5. Independence
Kindergarten encourages independence by allowing children to complete everyday tasks on their own. Although they may still need help sometimes, becoming more independent helps build confidence and prepares children for the school day.
As you think about your child’s independence, consider the following questions:
- Can my child follow a simple one-step direction?
- Can my child do small tasks on their own like picking up toys and opening small containers?
- Can my child handle basic self-care, such as using the restroom, washing their hands, and feeding themselves?
- Is my child beginning to make simple choices and solve everyday problems with little to no help from adults?
Every new skill your child learns helps them build confidence and prepares them to be more independent. It is important to remember independence is developed one step at a time, and every child grows at their own pace.
Steps You Can Take to Prepare
Early preparation can strengthen overall success. You don’t have to wait until the first day of school to start preparing your child for kindergarten. Taking small steps now can help your child feel more comfortable and confident when they walk into class on the first day of school. The suggestions below can help you support your child as they build confidence and transition into kindergarten.
Communicate with the school early
Reach out before the school year begins. Ask questions, learn about the kindergarten program, and find out what supports and resources are available. Notify the school if your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or has been in an Early Steps program.
Share information about your child
No one knows your child better than you. Share information about your child with the new teacher. This may include your child’s strengths, interests, communication style, and any strategies that you use at home. This can help the school better understand how to support your child from the very beginning.
Visit the school before the first day of class
Most schools schedule parent orientation to share information about the school and let parents visit the class and meet the teacher. Seeing different areas of the school before the first day can help your child become more familiar, and comfortable, with their new environment.
Practice routines every day
Practicing simple activities at home can help your child get used to set routines. Routines can include following directions, helping to clean things in their bedroom, taking turns, and changing from one activity to another. Many children respond well to visual schedules, both at home and in the classroom.
Review the IEP
If your child has an IEP, give a copy to the school and meet with the school team before the first day, if possible. Review the IEP goals, discuss any concerns, and make sure everyone understands the support your child will need. If your child does not have an IEP and you have concerns that they may have a disability, contact the school as early as possible to request an evaluation.
Preparing for a Successful Start
The start of kindergarten is exciting for both you and your child. It is important to remember every child begins with different strengths, experiences, and needs, especially students with disabilities. Children are not expected to be perfect, but they do need support to be as successful as possible. One of the most important things you can do is encourage your child, celebrate them, and work with the school to support their success. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your concerns, and ask for help. Collaboration with the school can help make the transition to kindergarten a good experience.
For more on kindergarten readiness, see Let’s Get Ready! A Family’s Guide, and Kindergarten Readiness.