How do I ensure my child is ready for kindergarten?

Turning 5 isn’t the only indicator your child is ready for school. Children grow and develop in different ways and on their own timelines.

Consider these factors to see if your child is physically, mentally and emotionally ready to start kindergarten:

Increasing independence

Can your child complete everyday tasks, like tying their shoes, dressing themselves, and opening snacks and drinks on their own? These skills will help their day flow more smoothly.

 Comfortable in social settings

Can your child engage and communicate with children their own age in a group setting that replicates the dynamics of a classroom? If so, this will prepare them for school.

Hitting emotional milestones like their peers

Is your child showing Increasing maturity when handling complex situations? Can they process and express their feelings? This can help them face manage this transitional period. 

If you see signs your child could use more time to develop before starting school, reach out to local resources and child specialists available to help guide you through that decision. 

 “It is important for a child to be developmentally ready to start kindergarten to minimize the challenges during this transition, as well as ongoing challenges during the school year,” says Nida Paul, Supervisor of Education and Prevention Services at the Center for Child Counseling in Palm Beach County.

“Children who are already struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties due to being developmentally behind may show increased challenges during and after the transition period,” she says.

As for readiness to learn in the classroom, Olivia Marino, Supervisor of Therapy Services at Community Partners of South Florida, suggests using flash cards for letter and number review before the school year starts. If you have any concerns that arise through these exercises, “It may be beneficial to have your child evaluated for learning or comprehension disabilities,” she says.

“You are the expert on your own child. If you feel your child is not ready for kindergarten, that is OK.”

Click here for Palm Beach County's school immunization requirements and the van schedule from the Florida Department of Health.

Click here for information to help your child transition to kindergarten, from the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County. 

SOURCES

•  Nida Paul, Supervisor of Education and Prevention Services, Center for Child Counseling
• Olivia Marino, Supervisor of Therapy Services, Community Partners of South Florida