There is a lot to consider when preparing your child for Kindergarten. Whether they are entering Kindergarten or just missed the cut off, there are a few fundamental things to keep in mind in order to ensure your child’s Kindergarten experience is as smooth and seamless as possible. Here are a few helpful tips to consider:
•Understand the Kindergarten Enrollment Process - Get familiar with the new student enrollment process, the age cut-offs, and begin to gather materials needed for local school enrollment. Some of the items needed to complete the enrollment process include photo identification, proof of residency, birth certificate and student’s social security card. In Atlanta, most private school admission processes begin in October and go through January, while the Public school registration begins in early Spring.
•Parent/Teacher Conference – Whether your child is transitioning to Kindergarten or misses the cut off, connecting with your child’s preschool is a great resource for helping your family through this process. Ask questions to proactively ensure that your child is on target with your family’s goals. If your child misses the cut off, discuss all the ways your child’s preschool program will continue to meet your child’s need in the future.
•Kindergarten Prep - Is your child’s current preschool program preparing them for Kindergarten?
oIs it strong in building language experiences (spoken, read, and written language) and math experiences (number awareness, recognition, counting, and basic concepts)?
oDoes your child’s preschool program gradually increase the length of group times? Children will be expected to pay attention longer in group settings in most schools.
oIs there an introduction into some school practices such as waiting for turns, “lining up”, “raising hands”, and directed choice activities?
•New Routines - If the new school requires taking a bus or new routines, do a “dry run” of what will be the new morning routines – packing lunches, gathering homework, and lunch money, walking to the bus stop, etc. Establishing a new bedtime (if needed) and morning routine well in advance is best. Transitional periods can wreak havoc on even the best laid schedules, but you should also plan to be flexible and buffer in extra time if needed.
Mostly, it’s important to enjoy this milestone with your child. Partner with your child’s current preschool and leverage them as a resource to help you navigate through these uncharted waters. Transition times are learning times for you and your child. Remember that becoming comfortable with the new classroom is an ongoing process, not just a single event.
For other related resources and additional helpful tips, check out these articles and blog posts from Bright Horizons Family Solutions by visiting www.brighthorizons.com/macaronikidatl
Visit one of our two Midtown Atlanta locations:
Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station, 1381 Market St. Suite 13150
or Bright Horizons at All Saints, 644 W. Peachtree St., to learn more about our Kindergarten Prep programs and how we ensure children are READY for SCHOOL.”
