Starting pre-kindergarten or kindergarten is an exciting milestone for both children and parents. As your little one embarks on this new journey, ensuring they are prepared can help ease the transition and set them up for success.
Thank you to those who attended the Pre-K & Kindergarten Info Night last month. As a follow-up, we want to provide additional resources and guidance to help ensure your child has a smooth transition into their new school environment.
Below are a few key items parents should know to best support their child during this transition.
What to Expect
Unlike elementary school, pre-k and kindergarten are not required by the California Education Code, meaning there are no entrance criteria. Because of this, classrooms will have students at various developmental stages. It typically takes 6-8 weeks for children to adjust to their new school environment, so patience and support during this period are essential.
Key Readiness Skills
While students are not expected to have mastered all the skills below, fostering these abilities at home can make the transition smoother.
- Self-regulate emotions
- Independently manage hygiene and self-help skills
- Separate from parent comfortably
- Initiate and engage in conversations with peers
- Solve problems and adapt to change
- Follow directions and play respectfully with peers
- Demonstrate empathy and awareness of others
- Keep hands to self and stay safe
- Focus on tasks for 5-10 minutes
- Express wants and needs
- Write first name in any form
- Use a functional grasp for writing and scissors
- Identify some letters, sounds, numbers, shapes and colors
- Understand books and their purpose
- Recite some numbers
How Parents Can Help
Parents can support their children’s development through everyday activities. Encouraging independence by allowing children to dress themselves and follow simple instructions fosters confidence. Playdates, practicing manners and reading books about school can strengthen social skills. Reading together, counting household items and playing problem-solving games can nurture early learning. Providing opportunities for outdoor play and hands-on activities helps build physical readiness. Finally, ensuring regular medical checkups, a healthy diet and basic safety awareness prepare children for a smooth transition to school.
A Smooth Transition
Starting school is a big step, but with patience, encouragement and support, this transition can be a positive and exciting experience for the whole family.
For more information and resources on pre-k and kindergarten in IUSD, please visit our website at iusd.org/pk